If you are experiencing difficulty achieving or maintaining a firm erection, fear not. Erectile dysfunction (ED), a common and often misunderstood condition, affects many men throughout their lives. Fortunately, simple lifestyle changes and/or the addition of a safe medication plan can restore performance, alleviate bedroom frustrations, and in many cases, even reverse the symptoms of ED.
Before exploring the best treatment options, take a few moments to learn more about ED, common causes, and lifestyle factors that may be contributing to your erectile concerns. Armed with this new knowledge, it’s possible to reduce and prevent recurring erection issues while simultaneously improving your overall health and mental well-being.
Erectile Dysfunction & Common Causes
There are a series of physiological processes that cause an erection. If any of these processes are disrupted or impacted by another health condition, the result is difficulty achieving or sustaining a sufficient erection. Here’s a basic overview of the process:
- Sexual arousal triggers the release of several neurotransmitters and chemicals, such as oxytocin, dopamine, and nitric oxide.
- As the cascade of neurotransmitters and hormones interact with the erectile tissues, the smooth vessels within the penis relax, allowing additional blood to fill and remain in the area.
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- After an erection is achieved, vascular mechanisms and fibrous tissue within the penis help to sustain the erection, preventing the filled vessels from draining until after ejaculation or loss of sexual stimulation.
So, what common causes a disruption in these processes? The majority of ED cases are caused by:
Physical Causes:
- Cardiovascular issues related to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), high blood pressure, and other conditions like diabetes can reduce vessel function and blood flow.
- Hormonal issues related to age and genetic factors. Most commonly, age-related reduction in testosterone levels is the culprit behind reduced erectile performance.
- Nervous-system issues such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease can negatively impact the nerve signals responsible for erections.
- Unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, sedentary living, excessive drinking, and illicit drug use put a strain on the entire body, potentially worsening ED symptoms and other conditions that may contribute to erectile dysfunction.
- Medications that influence blood pressure, hormonal levels, or mental processes can contribute to less-than-ideal erectile performance.
Psychological Causes:
- Stress related to work, relationship issues, or financial troubles can easily interfere with arousal.
- Mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety overlapping with daily stressors can further exacerbate erection difficulties.
- Fears about performance due to previous erectile dysfunction issues can lead to worsening ED symptoms.
Solve Your Erectile Dysfunction With Private Online Support
Despite the seemingly complex nature of erectile dysfunction, our discreet telehealth erectile dysfunction services simplify the treatment plan. Our solution-oriented experts will help you identify the exact cause of your concerns and walk you through a step-by-step plan that promotes holistic wellness and long-term performance restoration.
Depending on the cause of erectile dysfunction, there are a range of safe, affordable, and all-natural solutions to consider. The top erectile dysfunction treatment options include:
- Medication management utilizing PDE5 inhibitor drugs like Viagra and Cialis enhances the effects of nitric oxide (the chemical responsible for relaxing penile tissues). Alternatives such as Alprostadil may be prescribed if PDE5 inhibitors are ineffective.
- Any healthy lifestyle changes that improve physical and mental health can all contribute to improved erectile performance. Do your best to eliminate unhealthy habits and take action to start exercising and eating healthier today.
- Therapy options such as pelvic floor therapy, mental health counseling, and hormonal replacement therapy may be effective in reducing erectile dysfunction symptoms.
- Physical interventions such as vacuum pumps and surgical penile implants are alternative treatment options that may be appropriate if other treatments fail.
Whatever is causing your concerns, our online medical consultations are 100% discreet and affordable. We can connect you with a licensed physician today, providing you with evidence-based solutions that are safe, effective, and accessible from the comfort of your home.