How Do You Know if You’re Experiencing Erectile-Dysfunction?

If you've been wondering, "Am I experiencing erectile dysfunction symptoms?" there are a few indicators to check. Some typical symptoms of ED are:

Some Common Causes Are:

• Difficulty getting an erection : If it's taking more effort to get an erection when you want to, it could be a sign of ED.
• Trouble sustaining an erection : Even if you can achieve an erection, if it is difficult to sustain it long enough for sex, ED may be involved.
• Low libido : If your sex drive has fallen, or you find that you neither want nor dislike sex, it may be related to ED.

If you’ve noticed any of these changes in your life, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider. Erectile dysfunction doesn’t just affect your physical health—it can also impact your mental health, leading to feelings of frustration, embarrassment, or stress.

What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?

There are numerous possible reasons for erectile dysfunction, and they can either be physical or emotional or a mix of both. Below is a classification of the most common causes:

1. Physical Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

Some health issues or lifestyle considerations can impact blood flow or hormones, causing erectile dysfunction. Among the most common physical causes are:

• Heart disease : Insufficient blood supply to the penis may be a sign of heart disease.
• High blood pressure or cholesterol : Either one can happen to your blood vessels and complicate an erection.
• Diabetes : Elevated sugar in the bloodstream damages nerves and blood vessels and contributes to erectile issues.
• Obesity : The excess weight increases hormonal imbalances and decreases the amount of flowing blood.
• Low testosterone levels : Testosterone is vital in sex, and anything below what is needed for proper sexual performance causes ED.
• Substance abuse and medications : Some prescription drugs, tobacco, and heavy drinking can disrupt achieving an erection.

2. Mental and Emotional Causes

All causes of erectile dysfunction are not physical. Psychological factors can be a huge determinant of whether or not one can have sex. These causes may be mental and include:

• Stress : Pressure in life—be it work, money, or personal issues—can disrupt your ability to relax and achieve an erection.
• Depression and anxiety : Psychological distress can decrease your libido and cause difficulty in getting or sustaining an erection.
• Relationship issues : Conflicts in your relationship with a partner may impact your sex performance and result in erectile dysfunction.

How is Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosed?

Determination of an erectile dysfunction-causing factor in the patient is generally preceded by a few tests by the physician to nail down the cause.

Physical Exam

The physician will examine your penis and testicles to rule out physical causes for your ED.

Penile Doppler

A penile Doppler ultrasound evaluates blood flow to the penis after a tiny injection that causes an erection. It's not painful and can determine whether your ED is caused by vascular problems

Blood Tests

Blood tests can identify underlying conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or low testosterone levels, each of which potentially contributes to ED.

Urine Test

A urine sample may reveal diabetes or other health conditions that negatively affect sexual ability.

Mental Health Evaluation

Since mental health issues often cause erectile dysfunction, the doctor may evaluate you on your feelings and level of stress and anxiety. Working through stress, depression, or anxiety could be the prime mover in the treatment.

Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction

Now that you know why you have ED, it is time to know how to treat it. The good news is that there are multiple options available, depending on the cause of the ED.

Oral Medications

One of the most common ED treatments is oral medication. They basically work relaxing the smooth muscles in the penis and increasing blood flow. This makes it easier to get an erection and hold one. These medications usually include the following option:

• Sildenafil (Viagra, Revatio)
• Tadalafil (Cialis, Adcirca)
• Vardenafil
• Avanafil (Stendra)

Lifestyle Changes

Making certain lifestyle changes can also help reduce the severity of erectile dysfunction. Here are a few things that may help:

• Exercise regularly : Physical activity improves circulation and reduces stress.
• Eat a balanced diet : Eating healthy foods can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
• Cut back on alcohol and stop smoking Both smoking and heavy drinking can disrupt sexual function, so reducing may be beneficial.
• Sleep enough : Sleep is important for healthy mental function and hormone balance.

Therapy for Mental Health

If psychological issues such as stress or depression are causing your ED, therapy can be helpful. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most prevalent types of therapy utilized to treat performance anxiety, stress, and depression, and it can be a valuable component in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Erectile Dysfunction Exercises

In a few instances, erectile dysfunction exercises may even assist in the strengthening of pelvic muscles and increased blood flow to the penis. Kegel exercises, where one tightens and releases the pelvic muscles, may be of particular benefit for men suffering from ED.

The above options are offered at Healing Hands Clinic by board-certified urologists, with detailed education and full aftercare.

If you're suffering from erectile dysfunction, you should get help as soon as possible. No matter what is causing your ED—physical or mental health conditions, or a little bit of both—there are numerous treatments. Treatment for erectile dysfunction can help you feel more confident, strengthen your relationship, and restore you to your former self.

Book your consultation today at Healing Hands Clinic and take the first step toward reclaiming your sexual health.