Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile Dysfunction Treatment in Chennai
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve and maintain an erection firm enough for sex. If you are having problems achieving or sustaining an erection occasionally, it should not be a cause for worry. However, experiencing erectile dysfunction for a long period has the potential of creating stress, depression and low self-esteem, affecting your sex life, self-confidence and contributing to relationship problems.
Erection trouble also can be a sign of an underlying condition that needs treatment and a risk factor for heart disease.
If you have concerns about erectile dysfunction, have a frank discussion with the doctor.
Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction
The main symptom of erectile dysfunction is the inability to get or maintain an erection. In most of the cases, this condition is temporary. However, persistent erectile dysfunction can have a negative effect on sex life. This happens when a man is unable to sustain an erection long enough to continue sexual intercourse. He may experience reduced sexual desire. Psychological symptoms may occur if a man feels he isn’t satisfying his partner. These symptoms include low self-esteem and depression. These can cause erectile dysfunction to become worse.
Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
There can be many contributing factors for erectile dysfunction. These include both psychological and physical causes. The risk of erectile dysfunction increases with age but age does not cause it.
Although erectile dysfunction can affect younger men, it’s more common in middle-aged and older adult men.
Physical causes of erectile dysfunction include:
- Heart disease
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Thyroid problems
- Obesity
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Alcoholism
- Tobacco use
- Sleep disorders
- Treatments for prostate cancer or enlarged prostate
- Pelvic or spinal cord trauma or surgery
- Certain prescription medications, including antidepressants and diuretics
Psychological causes of erectile dysfunction
These include:
- Depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions
- Stress
- Relationship problems due to stress, poor communication or other concerns
Diagnosing Erectile Dysfunction
Your doctor may be able to diagnose erectile dysfunction by taking a medical history and performing a physical examination. Make sure to discuss any underlying conditions that you may have with your doctor. Sharing your medical history with your doctor can help them diagnose the cause of your erectile dysfunction. It’s also important to let your doctor know if you’re taking any medication. Tell them the name of the medication, how much you take, and when you began taking it. Also notify your doctor if you first experienced erectile dysfunction after taking a certain medication.
If your doctor suspects there an underlying cause to your condition, they will perform various tests. Tests may include:
- Blood tests to check for low testosterone levels, lipid levels, and other conditions
- ECG (electrocardiogram) to detect any heart issues
- Ultrasound to look for problems with blood flow
- Urine test to determine blood sugar levels
Treatment
Once the doctor completes treatment of the underlying cause for erectile dysfunction, the ED normally subsides. Then the doctor will determine which medication is right for you. Treatments are available for Erectile dysfunction, including prescription medications, natural remedies, and lifestyle changes.
Prescription Medications
There are a number of medical treatments that can be used to treat erectile dysfunction. Prescription treatments to help treat erectile dysfunction include:
- Sildenafil
- Tadalafil
However, those with serious medical conditions, such as heart disease, are advised to avoid these medications. Those who are taking certain medications should also not take them. Your doctor may recommend other treatment options if you can’t take oral medications for erectile dysfunction. These alternatives include mechanical aids, such as a penis pump or a penile implant as well as blood vessel surgery. Your doctor will explain how to use these devices.
Lifestyle Changes
Whether a man erectile dysfunction has an emotional or physical cause, there are many instances where lifestyle choices can reduce the trouble with ED.
These lifestyle changes include:
- Quitting smoking
- Reducing alcohol consumption
- Following a healthy diet
- Exercising at least three times per week
- Maintaining a healthy weight
Prevention
The best way to reduce your risk of erectile dysfunction is to make healthy lifestyle changes.
- Work with your doctor to regulate your blood sugar and keep blood pressure at healthy level
- Quit smoking, avoid excessive alcohol use
- Exercise regularly.
- Lose weight
- Eat healthy diet
- Control your chronic health conditions
- Get help for anxiety, depression or other mental health concerns.