Erectile Dysfunction: Causes, Symptoms & What Helps

Erectile dysfunction is a difficult topic for many men – which is why it is often ignored for too long. While occasional difficulties with erections are not initially considered erectile dysfunction, regularly occurring problems should be taken seriously. Especially when an erection does not last long enough or is not sufficient. Erectile dysfunction can affect quality of life, self-esteem, and, of course, relationships.

In worse cases, it leads to performance anxiety and pressure that simply cannot be met. To prevent or overcome anxiety disorders and more, a suitable treatment must, of course, be pursued. The same applies to physical illnesses. For example, thyroid or vascular diseases can be further triggers.

In our article, we want to inform you about how exactly erectile dysfunction is perceived and defined. You will also learn more about the possible causes, classic symptoms, and the best treatment options.

Note: To rule out inflammation or hormone disorders as triggers, you should consult your family doctor or a urologist. Urology can rule out many physical causes and assist with diagnosis. Further possibilities – such as cardiovascular diseases – should then be examined by the relevant specialists.

Development and Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

Basically, erectile dysfunction can arise from physical or psychological causes. In fact, it is more common that both factors have an influence. A physical disorder can massively increase psychological pressure. This could lead to performance anxiety and depression. These, in turn, logically affect the body and may worsen the physical problem.

Erectile weakness of psychological nature primarily plays a role in young men. Stress, anxieties, worries, depression, and relationship problems can weaken arousal. If you notice that problems only occur in certain situations, the nervous system and psyche are probably involved. Especially if the weakness does not occur during masturbation, the observations suggest impotence due to stress and more. This should be understood as much as physical problems.

With increasing age, however, physical limitations become more likely. Circulatory disorders are particularly common. For an erection, the corpus cavernosum in the penis must be filled with blood. If the blood supply is disturbed or the outflow occurs too quickly, the erection may fail or subside too quickly.

Classic causes include: diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, lipid metabolism disorders, and obesity. However, arteriosclerosis and a lack of exercise can also lead to symptoms. In general, an unhealthy lifestyle is associated with erectile dysfunction. Drug abuse, excessive alcohol consumption, and general tobacco consumption can have an impact.

Note: Some medications can affect potency. Potency-enhancing drugs are logically used for improvement. A drop in potency, however, can occur due to calming medications such as antidepressants and gastrointestinal medications. Also, when testosterone levels are out of balance, the dynamic changes. In general, testosterone is considered an important hormone in this regard.

Circulatory Disorders in the Organ as a Warning Sign

Problems with sexual life and sexuality are not only to be taken seriously for the partner and during sexual intercourse. They can be an early warning sign for other things. Since most problems involve insufficient functioning of blood vessels, comprehensive vascular and arterial diseases could follow. In conjunction with substances (tobacco, alcohol, other drugs, and more), the risk can be increased.

As long as major difficulties can be medically ruled out, many men first turn to conservative and drug-free therapies. These include erection aids, which can increase blood flow through a vacuum or negative pressure. With regular use, this treatment shows good results, for example, after prostatectomy! In combination with erection rings, a short- and long-term effect can be achieved. For suitable products of top quality, feel free to browse our online shop. Our experts will assist with selection upon request.

Distinguishing Between Physical and Psychological Causes

Whether erectile dysfunction and erection problems are psychologically caused or physically arisen can be recognized quite well by some indications. In the end, however, you should still consult a doctor for diagnosis. Since men's health in the area of potency and potency-enhancing drugs has already been extensively developed, good solutions are available for almost all cases!

Those affected should first ask themselves: When do the symptoms occur? A simple self-test is masturbation. If this is not normally possible and nightly erections are absent, a physical examination is appropriate. Psychological reasons are, however, more likely if factors such as physical intimacy, stresses of any kind, and certain other situations trigger the erectile dysfunction.

Thoughts about one's own inability and similar things can inhibit blood flow. Especially if the environment also exerts pressure, problems can arise even with a healthy lifestyle.

Physical Examinations and Psychological Support for Erectile Dysfunction

If you repeatedly notice inhibitions and disorders, you should first talk to a urologist. This can confirm or deny the suspicion of blood vessel and circulatory disorders. The diagnosis first involves a confidential discussion. This often covers the relationship, weight, and other circumstances. Examinations then show, for example, whether a drop in blood pressure is noticeable or whether you have high blood pressure. Pre-existing conditions, regular exercise, and other aspects of your life will be inquired about.

Classic values and body areas for physical tests include:

• Blood pressure values
• Vascular status
• Pulse measurement
• Genitals
• Prostate
• Blood lipid levels
• Ultrasound examination of the penis
• Corpus cavernosum injection test
• Measurement of nocturnal erections

Of course, the root of the penis, the urethra, and the scrotum are also examined. In some cases, a problem with the pelvic floor is quickly detected. With targeted pelvic floor training, you can quickly help yourself.

Improving Erectile Function and Resolving Erectile Dysfunction

Logically, the treatment of problems always depends on the cause. Sometimes medications are adjusted. In other situations, a healthier lifestyle is recommended. There is also the option of sex and psychotherapy. Open conversations with one's partner are important when inhibitions exist.

Furthermore, there are vacuum therapies. In these, blood flow in the corpus cavernosum is improved by a vacuum pump. Medical penis pumps for this purpose can be found with us. They are simple to use and can be operated manually or automatically, depending on the model. Manual operation is available with the Manual Erection System. For automatic functions, you should opt for the Active Erection System. You can find more about these aids in our shop.

Medications for Erectile Dysfunction

In medical treatment, PDE-5 inhibitors (phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors) are most commonly used. Options such as Sildenafil, Vardenafil, and Avanafil improve blood flow to the penis. They do not increase libido but support the physical process of erection. They can help with nerve damage and after a stroke.

Note: PDE-5 inhibitors are prescription-only. Side effects and contraindications must be observed. Concomitant use of nitrate preparations is not recommended. Please do not use unproven potency drugs!

Therapies and Treatments Without Medication

If tablets are not an option or do not work sufficiently, there are other options. These include corpus cavernosum autoinjection therapy (CAIT). This involves injecting active substances with a longer duration of action directly into the corpus cavernosum. The effectiveness of these substances can alternatively be utilized via the urethra. This is the MUSE system. The aforementioned vacuum therapy can also be very successful.

In cases of testosterone deficiency, hormone therapy can be used. If none of the previously mentioned options work, operations such as penile prostheses are considered. Both semi-rigid and hydraulic models are available.

Summary: Understanding and Resolving Erectile Dysfunction Correctly

You should seek prompt clarification if you notice erectile dysfunction. Rule out vascular disease and get tested for other conditions. For example, liver diseases or nerve disorders could be the cause. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, appropriate aids should be selected. These can include pumps, rings, or medications, among many others. Often, psychological treatments are also a step in the right direction.

A good foundation for long-term stable sex hormones, healthy blood sugar, and an intact metabolism is, of course, a healthy lifestyle. Orient yourself towards a balanced diet such as the Mediterranean diet and reduce your alcohol consumption. Other risk factors that could damage veins and nerves throughout the body should, of course, also be avoided.