Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Written by Girish Khera on May 16, 2019

Erectile dysfunction (ED), also called as impotence, is a kind of sexual dysfunction characterized by the inability to either develop or maintain an erection of the penis during the sexual activity.

3D medical animation still showing the inability to develop or maintain an erection of the penis during sexual activity.

There are various aspects that go into achieving an erection. When there is turning on, nerves fire in the brain, the blood then flows into the penis.

Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

There are several factors that may cause ED. Some of the physical causes of ED are listed below:

There is not adequate blood flow into the penis
The penis is unable to trap blood during erection
The nerve signals from the spinal cord or the brain do not reach the penis
Diabetes may cause small vessel disease or some nerve damage to the penis
Cancer treatments near the pelvis area may affect the functionality of penis
Medicines used to treat other health problems may impact erections negatively in some cases
Some other reasons could include

Surgery
Injury
Hormone problems
Prostate enlargement

Some emotional issues that may cause ED are listed below:

Depression
Anxiety
Conflicts in relationships
Stress at home or work or from social, cultural or religious conflicts
Worried regarding sexual performance
Alcohol use may often trigger it

Symptoms of ED

The inability to achieve and maintain a penile erection of adequate rigidity to permit satisfactory sexual activity is the defining symptom of erectile dysfunction. The condition may manifest itself in various ways.

ED may be a key warning sign of cardiovascular disease indicating some blockage build up in a man's vascular system. Some of studies have even revealed that men with ED are at significant risk of a heart attack, stroke or circulatory disorders in the legs. ED may also often cause:

Low self-esteem
Some distress for the man and his partner
Depression in some cases

Treatments of ED

ED commonly has an impact on the emotional well-being of both men and their partners. Many men do not seek treatment because of embarrassment feelings. There are various treatment options depending on the cause and severity of the erectile dysfunction and any underlying health conditions. The doctor would weigh the risks and benefits of each treatment and would consider your preferences.

In this case, partner's preferences also may play a role in the treatment options.

Some of the treatment options include:

Oral medications
Penile implants
Penis pumps
Exercise
Psychological counseling
Alternative medicine
Lifestyle and home remedies

Disclaimer: The information in no way constitutes, or should be construed as medical advice. Nor is the above article an endorsement of any research findings discussed in the article an endorsement for any of the source publications.

Sources-

Anatomy, Functions and Conditions of Testes

The testes are two oval-shaped organs which are part of the male reproductive system, and are also known as ‘testicles’. They are enclosed in the scrotum, which is a sac like structure of skin that hangs outside the body in the pelvic region close to upper thighs. Read More..

Peyronie’s disease: Causes and Treatments

When a fibrous plaque develops inside the the male penis, it results in a painful condition called Peyronie's disease. Peyronie’s disease is a connective tissue disorder that affects the soft tissue of the penis, causing abnormal curvature, shortening and often erectile dysfunction. Read More..