The human body is indeed an incredible machine. It contains around 37 trillion cells that work nonstop to fight off diseases, turn food into nutrients, allow us to reproduce, and so much more. The medical field nowadays has become more advanced than ever before and is continuing to witness radical advancements. We are inching our way a little closer every day to a world where every disease is curable. When it comes to personal health, it is of crucial importance for one to undertake the necessary measures in order to guarantee a healthy future. Frequent checkups and tests ensure the quick detection of any potential health threats, allowing early treatment before their exacerbation.
One of the most commonly faced issues by males worldwide is that of erectile dysfunction – also known as ED. In fact, around 30 million Americans are affected by this condition, and it is expected that most men will experience some form of ED at least once in their lifetime. In general, ED refers to when a male cannot get or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. This issue can be a result of one or more underlying conditions and is generally treatable.
What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?
To best recognize what causes erectile dysfunction, we must first understand how an erection works. During sexual arousal, signals from the Central Nervous System and the local periphery cause special muscles of the corpora cavernosa in the penis to relax. The corpora cavernosa is a spongy tissue that contains a lot of vessel networking and has the ability to fill with blood. When its muscles relax, blood rushes into it and builds internal pressure in the penis, resulting in an erection. An anomaly in the functioning of any of the involved organs might result in ED with its severity varying with each case.
Having an underlying cardiovascular disease is usually the most common reason behind ED. This comes as no surprise considering that blood is the major component of an erection. Some of these cardiovascular diseases include high blood pressure, heart problems, and high blood cholesterol which can, in turn, lead to clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis). This hinders the circulation of blood causing not only ED but also a multitude of potentially fatal complications. Aside from cardiovascular issues, other problems like obesity, multiple sclerosis, alcoholism, and low levels of testosterone can also contribute to erectile dysfunction.
In certain cases, ED can be a direct result of psychological unease as opposed to physical health problems. As previously mentioned, the Central Nervous System, which constitutes the brain and spinal cord, plays an integral role in initiating an erection. When a person suffers depression or is under a lot of stress, this can interfere with feelings of arousal and can ultimately result in a failed erection. Performance anxiety before and during sex is another psychological deterrent. If someone experiences this type of anxiety, they become overly self-conscious about their performance that they often end up not being able to perform at all. It can also result in other issues like premature ejaculation where one climaxes in a relatively short period of time after the beginning of sexual intercourse.
Consequences of Erectile Dysfunction
Suffering ED does not usually cause any further physical consequences, but it is often found to have a negative impact on one’s mental health. Males who face this issue are highly prone to anxiety and low self-esteem as a result of feeling sexually incapable. These increased negative feelings may then further worsen their ED, putting them in a never-ending loop of self-loathing. It can also result in communication and intimacy problems with their partners. In certain cases, the inability to get an erection might also result in difficulty to impregnate a female sexual partner.
What to Do If You Think You Have ED
If you think that you have ED, it is of great importance that you consult a specialist. This will save you a lot of time and mental pain and will ensure a healthy sex life in the future. If the condition was a result of solely psychological factors, a few sessions with a therapist might be all that’s needed. In other cases, your physician will perform a few tests to check circulation, heart disease, blood sugar, penis health, and testosterone levels. A good TRT clinic will then be able to reverse any problems and restore your mood, sleep, sex drive, and most importantly, your sturdy erection.
Conclusion
Suffering erectile dysfunction is undoubtedly a very stressful experience. Luckily, all it takes is a visit to the clinic and you’re good to go. By resolving the underlying issues behind ED not only will you get your sex life back, but also your mental well-being and self-confidence. It is up to us as a society to stand against the shame associated with this condition and assist those who are fighting ED to win the battle.