Some thoughts on Erectile Dysfunction
This is a topic that causes a lot of distress in many men who are too embarrassed to talk about it and clarify any issues they may have in this regard.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a very common problem.
It is also known as Impotence and though very embarrassing, it's a real complaint which many men would rather not discuss, even with their doctor.
This is quite understandable but especially more in societies where there is little accurate information circulating about the condition.
However, if only we can get men affected by the condition to open up to a competent doctor, we would likely get them the solution needed in a significant number of cases.
Regretfully in Nigeria, a lot of the 'cures' being peddled around in the public space are NOT real or effective treatments.
Firstly, what causes Erectile Dysfunction ?
We think that ED can be caused by physical problems or psychological problems.
Physical problems that cause ED:
those that directly affect the penis including conditions that cause a change to the blood supply to the penis. Studies have shown this includes conditions like Hypertension, Diabetes and high Cholesterol.
those caused by injury to the nerves supplying the penis for example from damage to the spinal cord, from trauma due to accidents (including in Road accidents), from surgery or spread from cancer
those caused by changes to hormones that affect the function of the penis
certain drugs such as those that treat some conditions like Hypertension or Cancer treatments
Psychological Problems that cause ED:
anxiety
depression
relationship problems
There are some other situations that can increase the risk of developing ED - which include abuse of alcohol or illicit drugs, smoking and long distance cycling.
Next, to begin treatment, we would need to identify if any of the above conditions are present - either physical or psychological or both - increasing the risk of ED.
Let me shed some more light on the physical causes - in conditions like Diabetes or Hypertension or high Cholesterol, there is a change to the blood vessels that supply the penis.
This means they become damaged by fat/cholesterol, hardening the blood vessels and making them narrow so this affects the healthy blood flow to the penis.
In order for an erection to happen, blood needs to flow into the tissues of the penis and leads to the turgid, erect state.
The blood flow is triggered by arousal which sends in the hormone that stimulates all the activity leading to the increase in blood flow.
Normal functioning nerves to the penis and a normal blood supply are both necessary for this to happen.
Anything that interrupts this process - from preventing or hindering arousal (e.g. anxiety or depression, stress etc), damage to nerve function ( e.g. trauma from accidents or surgery), disturbance of hormone flow, damage to blood flow (from hardened blood vessels caused by disease like Diabetes or Hypertension); or drugs that can affect the normal working of the penis can result in ED.
With psychological symptoms, the anxious mind may be challenged by a desire to 'perform' well, or the worried mind may be unable to achieve arousal leading to erection. Stress can be associated with low mood or depression which causes reduced libido.
In any one case, it is important to understand what other symptoms may be present and whether certain medical conditions like Diabetes, Hypertension etc exist.
In treating anyone with this condition, I would also like to know if any medications are used.
Is there stress or any mental health issue? Or problems in the relationship?
I'm happy to reflect further on your condition if you will kindly provide more details by sending a direct enquiry to one of our platforms.
Treatment will then be based on the cause. It is important to see a competent physician to manage the problem, and we are happy to provide further advice.
You can also read more about Erectile Dysfunction.
I've treated several men with ED from one cause or the other. This condition may apply to you, a friend or relative.
Whichever it is, we'd like to help!
Get in touch to access our free confidential advisory service.
Let me know your comments below.
Stay Well!
Editing by AskAwayHealth Team Disclaimer All AskAwayHealth articles are written by practising Medical Practitioners on a wide range of health care conditions to provide evidence based guidance and to help promote quality health care. The advice in our material is not meant to replace management of your specific condition by a qualified health care practitioner. To discuss your condition, please contact a health practitioner or reach us directly through info@askawayhealth.org
