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Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is essentially the inability to have and maintain an erection strong enough for intercourse. Having erectile dysfunction from time to time is not necessarily a sign of a much bigger medical problem. However, if erectile dysfunction has been an ongoing problem, it will certainly contribute to increased stress, negatively impact your self-esteem and ultimately, lead to relationship difficulties. One way to know if you may be dealing with Erectile Dysfunction is to ask your doctor about any potential medical conditions you might have. Many health problems can result in temporary or even permanent loss of erection strength. By diagnosing Erectile Dysfunction early enough, you can prevent these issues from developing into more serious issues.
Many men suffering from Erectile Dysfunction will attempt to treat themselves without seeing their doctor. However, doing so without the proper care and attention can do much more harm than good. Doctors are specially trained and equipped to recognize signs of Erectile Dysfunction and provide the appropriate treatments. Treatments for treating Erectile Dysfunction vary depending on the age and health of the patient, as well as his or her level of overall health. For instance, if a man suffering from Erectile Dysfunction is younger than 50 years old, the treatments he receives will be more aggressive and require a higher quality of care.
Many men do not want to take the risk of visiting an ED specialist for therapy in Tampa or their closest area, but for those who do have issues with Erectile Dysfunction, seeing their doctor is crucial. The primary reason for seeking medical attention is to ensure the Erectile Dysfunction is not caused by physical deficiencies or other health-related factors. Your doctor will perform several physical examinations and laboratory tests to help determine if Erectile Dysfunction is in fact the cause of your problems, or if there are additional issues that need to be addressed. Some of the common tests performed during physical exams and laboratory tests include x-rays, blood work, urine testing, and an ultrasound examination. During the laboratory tests, the doctor will look for physical abnormalities, such as: hypertension, diabetes, chronic infections, enlarged prostate, heart disease, and liver disease.
Once the cause of your problem has been determined, the doctor will discuss treatment options with you. Treatments for treating Erectile Dysfunction can range from lifestyle changes to prescription medications to surgery. While many of the treatments available involve lifestyle changes, such as exercise, diet, and weight control, some require a prescription medication, such as Viagra or Cialis. Because of the high occurrence of diabetes, heart disease, and other health conditions surrounding Erectile Dysfunction, it is often recommended that patients use medications for these conditions along with their lifestyle changes.
Another common cause of erectile dysfunction in older men is atherosclerosis. This condition is the buildup of fatty plaques on the internal walls of the arteries. When these plaques become enlarged, they interfere with blood flow through the arteries, causing edema. When edema occurs within the arteries, blood can’t travel through properly, causing hypertension and heart attack.
Finally, damage to the nerves and the blood vessels surrounding the penis can lead to erectile dysfunction. A severe injury, for example, can break down the nerves, which interferes with sexual impulses. The nerves control the erection and ejaculation and are attached to the brain, spine, and legs. When a person suffers from a sever injury, the nerves may not work properly or release the proper chemicals when needed. In addition, blood vessels may burst open and infection can result.
Erectile Dysfunction can have a number of causes, and can manifest in a variety of ways. If you are experiencing any of these signs, you should see your doctor as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis. Fortunately, there are many effective treatments available for this condition that are natural and can be started immediately to help curb the effects of erectile dysfunction.
High blood pressure is one of the most common causes of erectile dysfunction. This condition often makes it difficult for a man to achieve an erection due to the increased stress on the heart. Other common causes include atherosclerosis – a buildup of fatty deposits on the interior of the arteries, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASC), and heart problems such as heart valves that do not open properly. Stress, anxiety, high levels of testosterone, and emotional issues can also contribute to this problem.
Smokers are at higher risk for Erectile Dysfunction. Cigarette smoke reduces the body’s ability to produce nitric oxide – a chemical that constricts the blood vessels. The more vessels that are constricted, the less blood will be able to flow to the penis. High blood pressure and diabetes, high triglycerides or poor metabolic syndrome, and obesity can all lead to this condition.
Hereditary issues are another common cause for erectile dysfunction. Family members who suffer from heart disease are more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction. Other causes include vascular disease, tumors, infections, and other medical conditions. Certain medications such as antibiotics can also have an effect on sexual performance. The severity of the condition will determine what kind of treatment is prescribed.
Many people with erectile dysfunction choose to use over-the-counter medications. These are not meant to cure the condition, but to provide some short term relief from the symptoms. Most doctors will not prescribe medications unless other symptoms are present. If other symptoms are present, a doctor may decide to run tests such as blood work or imaging studies to see if ED is truly the cause.
Erectile Dysfunction does not choose any gender. Regardless of whether you are young or old, or whether you are male or female, this condition can affect your sex life. Because of this, it’s important to seek help if you believe you may be suffering from erectile dysfunction. Your doctor should be able to explain the different kinds of medications available, and give you details about the side effects and the risks of taking the medications. There are also resources on the Internet that offer information about ED and ways to treat it.
