If you are mentally and physically drained due to poor sexual health, and it is now affecting your loved ones and your relationships, then get your mental piece back with Dot Clinics. Here you will discover everything you should know about Erectile dysfunction root causes, symptoms, and the most effective treatments available at Dot Clinics in Multan.
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
ED Treatment (Impotence) is a major sexual health challenge for men in the shape of poor physical intimacy due to trouble in having and maintaining an erection during sexual activity. While rare troubles and minor disruptions are normal, frequently occurring issues can indicate an unseen medical complication that needs timely attention. Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a common penile dysfunction that affects millions of men worldwide, leaving a huge impact on their self-esteem, physical endurance, emotional health, and overall relationship life. It is identified through research that penile dysfunction mainly occurs between the age 40 and 70.
Did you know: “In 1995, over 152 million men worldwide experienced ED. The projections for 2025 show a prevalence of approximately 322 million with ED, an increase of nearly 170 million men.”-National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Different Types of Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile Dysfunction is categorized into the following types:
1. Vascular Erectile Dysfunction
The Vascular erectile dysfunction is the most commonly diagnosed type of Erectile dysfunction that is caused by vascular damage. Vascular erectile dysfunction can develop when blood vessels that create blood flow to the tissues of the penis or the valves that control blood retention do not work appropriately.
2. Hormonal Erectile Dysfunction
Hormonal Erectile Dysfunction is a condition where there’s a hormonal imbalance in the body. When the level of testosterone, a male sex hormone, decreases in the body, males face difficulty in maintaining an erection, resulting in Hormonal Erectile Dysfunction.
3. Neurogenic Erectile Dysfunction
This type of erectile dysfunction takes place due to any underlying neurological issues. When nerves that send signals from the brain to cause an erection do not function properly, then men face problems in sexual performance, resulting in Neurogenic Erectile Dysfunction. That can occur from nerve damage, CNS issues such as stroke, and medications.
When does ED start to become a problem?
There is no fixed age at which erectile dysfunction occurs. Men of all ages can face erectile dysfunction, but it is most common in males who are above age 40, and is mostly diagnosed at age 70. It can also affect young adults, those who have harmful lifestyle patterns such as:
- Habit of smoking
- Excessive use of alcohol
- Lack of exercise
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Anxiety
- Tensions
- Male reproductive issues
How Can You Tell If You Have Erectile Dysfunction?
Men suffering from challenges of erection may have the following symptoms:
- Inability to get an erection even with enough sexual activation.
- Few or no spontaneous erections upon waking up.
- Erections but not firm enough for penetration.
- Reduced desires for sexual activity.
- Losing an erection too early during sexual activity.
- Pain in the penis during or after an erection.
- Depression and mood swings.
- Poor sleep cycle
- Fear of sexual failure leading to avoidance of intimacy.
- Stress, frustration, or emotional drainage.
- Fatigue and low energy.
From Stress to Health Problems: What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?
Age factor is the main cause of erectile problems, but there are a lot of other factors that lead to a decrease in sexual performance, from psychological factors to medical problems; these are the common causes that result in Erectile Dysfunction.
1. Psychological Factor:
- Stress & Anxiety: Emotional suffering can slow down sexual performance.
- Depression: Sadness and a bad mood can reduce libido.
- Relationship Issues: A weak emotional connection between partners also leads to ED.
- Performance Anxiety: Self-doubt and fear of bad performance develop a cycle of ED.
2. Lifestyle Factors:
- Use of Drugs: Use of cigarettes, tobacco, cocaine, marijuana, methadone, nicotine, and alcohol consumption blocks normal circulation of blood to the pennis that lead to poor erections.
- Poor Diet and lack of nutrition: Due to a deficiency of important nutrients and minerals, the body can face loss of energy and muscle strength. Over intake of fast food, oily food, and sugary food can lead to obesity and diabetes, which can result in a lack of men’s sexual stamina.
- Lack of physical activity: Lack of exercise and other physical activities can also lead to weakness of bone and muscles that can impact male strength.
- Sleep Disorders: Improper sleep habits impact testosterone production in the body, that reduce sexual desire.
3. Health Factors
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) & Hypertension: Improper blood circulation or blocked blood flow can cause erection problems.
- Diabetes: A blood sugar disorder and an insulin resistance condition can damage blood vessels and nerves that cause erectile issues.
- Obesity: Excess body weight affects hormone levels and blood flow.
- Testosterone Deficiency: Low testosterone production reduces sexual drive and performance.
- Neurological Disorders: Brain and nerve conditions like Parkinson’s, stroke, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis impact nerve signals, resulting in poor maintenance of erection.
- Medical Injuries: Any injuries to the area surrounding pennis can lead to ED-like
- Penile fracture.
- Injuries to the hip bones, sacrum, and tailbone.
- Any injury in bladder and spinal cord.
- Pelvic surgery, including prostate, colon, or bladder cancer surgery.
- Radiation therapy.
- Medications: Some drugs for depression, blood pressure, and pain can lead to ED. These drugs mainly include:
- Antidepressants.
- Blood pressure medications.
- Antiarrhythmics.
- Sedatives.
- Muscle relaxers
- Diuretics.
- Antihistamines.
- Chemotherapy drugs.
- Parkinson’s disease drugs.
- Prostate cancer drugs.
- Anti-seizure medications.
Who is the Main Victim of erectile dysfunction?
Men, particularly those over 40 or older who have any underlying problems like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, any type of stress or anxiety, and those who consume drugs, mostly become victims of erection problems.
Diagnosis Process of ED
A specialized Urologist can examine and diagnose the main cause of erection problems. He will thoroughly assess your medical history and do a physical examination. The doctor will also ask you about details of your personal and sexual history. You have to open up with your doctor about each and every detail, which can lead to examining the root cause of your problem.
Which Medical Tests Help Diagnose Erectile Dysfunction?
To diagnose the main cause of ED, your doctor can ask you to do some medical test which include:
- Blood tests.
- Complete blood count (CBC).
- Testosterone test.
- Liver function tests.
- Urinalysis (urine test).
- Kidney function tests.
- Lipid panel.
- Thyroid tests.
- Vasoactive injection.
- Penile Doppler ultrasound.
- Penile biothesiometry.
- Magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA).
Management and Treatment
There are a lot of the latest treatments available that are customized to individual requirements. Here are some of the best options available:
1. Oral Medications
Oral medications or phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors are the first step for erectile dysfunction treatments. The PDE5 inhibitors available in Pakistan are
- Sildenafil (Viagra): It helps to improve blood circulation to the penis. Due to the local production, Sildenafil is now easily accessible in Pakistan.
- Tadalafil (Cialis): Tadalafil is popular for its long-term effect. This extended period enables a more natural flow and flexibility in sexual activity.
- Vardenafil (Levitra): Vardenafil almost works the same as sildenafil, but it is more beneficial for those with high blood glucose. It is efficient in improving erectile ability and has a positive safety record.
- Avanafil (Stendra): Avanafil is an advanced and latest PDE5 inhibitor known for its fast activation period and function within 15-30 minutes. It specifically targets the PDE5 enzyme and has the potential to lower the side effects. Avanafil is sold under the trademark Stendra and is accessible through different online platforms.
Who Can Use Them: These medications are recommended for men with occasional and moderate erection difficulties.
Side Effects: Use of medicines can result in Headaches, nasal blockage, and dizziness.
2. Shockwave Therapy
- What It Is: Low-intensity shockwave therapy is used to activate blocked blood flow and improve vascular circulation to the penis, enhancing performance.
- Benefits: Non-surgical, pain-free treatment with long-lasting results.
- Best For: Men suffering from vascular erectile dysfunction.
3. P-Shot Therapy
- What It Is: P-shot therapy is coming out as a promising regenerative therapy. PRP injections are utilized to help in improving blood circulation and repair tissues.
- Benefits: Natural, painless procedure with minimal side effects.
- Best For: Men looking for a regenerative and non-surgical treatment.
4. Stem Cell Therapy
- What It Is: Stem cells, tissue-regenerating cells, are used to repair damaged penile tissue and grow new blood vessels for smooth blood flow.
- Benefits: Advanced Healing-based therapy with long-lasting results.
- Best For: Men with severe ED or nerve-related problems.
5. Exosome Therapy
- What It Is: Uses exosomes derived from stem cells to enhance tissue healing and improve erectile function.
- Benefits: Exosome injection targets cellular tissues to repair and promotes long-term improvement.
- Best For: Men with vascular or nerve-related ED.
6. Psychological Therapies
If the root cause of ED is stress, tension, and depression, then treatment can also be helpful:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is useful and helpful for reducing performance anxiety and psychological stress, which contribute to a decrease in male strength.
- Sex therapy includes the counseling of couples to target and focus on the intimate problems for restoring confidence.
Aftercare and Maintenance
Maintaining it requires long-term commitment:
- Daily check-ups are necessary to monitor hormone levels.
- Physical activity and a balanced diet can be effective.
- Avoid smoking, alcohol consumption, and processed foods.
- Perform healthy activities to manage stress.
Best way to treat ED
Daily routine and habits have a significant effect on sexual health and mental wellness. The right choices and ways of living can significantly decrease the chances of exposure to sexual dysfunction.
- Dietary changes: Chicken, turkey, and lean cuts of beef are protein sources and consist of 1-arginine, an amino acid which is vital for the synthesis of nitric oxide. Taking tea and consuming coffee in small amounts can have remarkable benefits for sexual health. The detoxifiers present in these beverages may aid in reducing swelling, promote healthy blood circulation, and help in erection getting better with time.
- Processed foods: Avoid highly processed foods and sugary drinks that can lead to a decrease in testosterone levels and cause swelling, which ultimately triggers erectile dysfunction.
- Stay hydrated: Drink a lot of water as dehydration can causea reduction in blood flow and energy levels and negatively influence erection. Make a habit to drink plenty of water daily.
- Quit smoking and alcohol consumption: Smoking can harm blood vessels and block blood flow to the penis, causing erection troubling. Moreover, too much alcohol intake can cause a decline in testosterone levels and neurological impairment.
- Weight management: Obesity is a main contributor. Having an optimal weight can maintain your testosterone levels and maximize blood circulation.
- Control stress efficiently: Persistent stress and anxiety enhance the cortisol levels, which hurt the production of testosterone. Take part in relaxation techniques or dedicate some hours to nature to minimize stress.
- Increase sun exposure: You can get Vitamin C from sun exposure, which is responsible forthe regulation of sex hormones.
- Adequate sleep: Sleep deprivation can cause a reduction in testosterone levels and ultimately increase the risk of erectile dysfunction. Try to get 7-9 hours of sleep per night to guarantee hormonal balance and holistic health.
Herbal Remedies to Treat ED
Few herbal supplements are considered to improve male sexual health, but there is no scientific evidence about their effectiveness and safety. They are not recommended highly because they are not FDA approved, and there are many side effects attached to them. These herbal medicines include
- L-arginine
- Propionyl-L-carnitine
- Dehydroepiandrosterone
- Ginkgo
- Ginseng
- Yohimbine
- Horny goat weed
It is necessary to take advice from your doctor before using these herbal treatments.
Does ED disappear naturally over time?
No, it’s not possible to get rid of Erectile dysfunction without seeking any medical help. Even if you have minor symptoms, it still needs attention; it will become a severe problem over a period of time. You have to change your lifestyle patterns and start, but if this does not help, then you have to seek medical treatments to overcome erectile disabilities.
Is it possible to prevent Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction can be prevented by acquiring a healthy lifestyle with natural approaches such as
- Exercise routines: Add Cardiovascular exercises, Kegel exercises, Strength training, Yoga, and stretching in your daily routine to prevent ED.
- Dietary changes: Taking a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can boost sexual health. Don’t prefer processed food and avoid overconsumption of sugar.
- Stress management: Manage stress and anxiety problems by doing exercises like yoga and deep breathing exercises, and attend therapy sessions to avoid ED.
- Lifestyle modifications: By avoiding smoking, alcohol, and managing weight, you can prevent erectile problems.
When should I see a healthcare provider?
If you are facing any of the following, it’s time to seek professional help:
- Continuous erection difficulties lasting more than a few weeks.
- Sudden onset of penile dysfunction without any prior symptoms.
- Erection issues with pain and discomfort.
- Poor mental condition due to poor sexual performance.
When should I go to the ER?
If a man is facing an erection issue with extreme discomfort that continues for three to four hours, then it might be a symptom of Priapism, i.e., a problem in which the penis can be severely damaged. In such cases, the patient will need to be taken to the emergency room immediately for the right treatment to be given to avoid any lasting erectile dysfunction effects.
Essential Questions to ask your Healthcare Provider?
Proper awareness about Erectile Dysfunction is necessary to cure it or to prevent serious consequences, so whenever you visit a health specialist, ask the following questions:
- How can you tell if I have Erectile Dysfunction?
- Is it normal to have erectile dysfunction?
- What are the necessary treatment options?
- Can erectile dysfunction lead to other conditions that affect my sexual health?
- Can I prefer a sex therapist?
- Can I have a penile implant procedure?
Dot Clinics in Multan offers private, professional consultations to help you find the right solution.
FAQs
1. Do changes in lifestyle choices permanently resolve ED?
Lifestyle changes such as weight loss, diet, and smoking can reverse this problem permanently. But if the cause is any medical problem, such as diabetes or severe arterial damage, then proper treatment is required.
2. Can stress and anxiety cause erectile problems in males?
Stress and anxiety can disrupt the brain signals that provoke an erection, but it can be cured through psychological therapies.
3. Are there other ways for treating erectile dysfunction than medicines?
There are surely some other ways, including lifestyle changes, diet, and exercise. These can help you out in boosting erectile function without medications.
4. What is the best way to deal with Erectile Dysfunction Naturally?
You can treat ED naturally with the help of exercise routines, dietary changes, Stress management, and Lifestyle modifications.
5. How much time does it take to regain male strength?
The time duration is based on the treatment method. Changes in way of living can take a few weeks to months, while some therapies show results within weeks.
