ED is the inability to have an erection of the penis and maintaining it for periods long enough to satisfy both partners. This can have a detrimental effect to the self-esteem of any man and that of his partner. Hundreds of millions of men around the globe are continuously affected by this menace. However, transient episodes of erectile dysfunction affect nearly all males who have attained sexual maturity and are sexually active. There is always a measure of relief to all men who dare to seek medical treatment.
Factors that contribute to Erectile Dysfunction
Barely twenty years ago, physicians used to lay the blame of erectile inadequacy on psychological factors or the normal aging process in older men. However, the medical opinion pendulum today has swung away from both arguments. Although the time is taken in attaining an erection increases as a man progresses with age, one should seek medical attention if the erectile dysfunction becomes chronic. Multiple research has proved that the difficulty in attaining an erection is not always psychological. Urologists have today argued that physical factors cause most cases of erectile dysfunction in men above the age of 55.
Ageing in men and Erectile Dysfunction
Blood vessels and the flow of blood are the two factors that are involved in an erection. Therefore, it is not a surprise that in older men, erectile dysfunction is caused by conditions that block the flow of blood to the penis which includes arteriosclerosis or even diabetes. A faulty vein that allows blood to drain too quickly from the penis may be another cause. Hormonal imbalance, surgeries, and other physical disorders may also lead to erectile dysfunction.
The central nervous system controls the vascular processes that lead to a healthy erection and medications affecting the nervous system may have an overall effect on having a sturdy erection. A variety of sedatives, stimulants, diuretics, and antihistamines are some possible drugs affecting the nerve signals. Moreover, patients undergoing chemotherapy, high blood pressure treatment or under depression may experience erectile dysfunction. However, it is not advisable to stop a medication due to ED unless your physician advises otherwise. Narcotics such as tobacco, alcohol or even the chewing of khat may be a contributing factor to ED.
Younger men and Erectile Dysfunction
Psychological problems are the most popular sources of erectile dysfunction in younger men. The most common are anxiety and tension which may be as a result of poor communication with their partners or even sexual preferences that differ. Erectile dysfunction may also be linked to the following factors in younger men:
- The feeling of being inadequate
- Sexual fears on a personal level
- Childhood sexual abuse
- Stress and/ fatigue
- The sense of rejection from either parents or peers
- Depression
