Erectile Dysfunction – Some people have trouble achieving or sustaining an erection. In actuality, this issue arises frequently. If we listen to stereotypes about men and sex, it may appear that a man should always be prepared for sex. But regardless of gender, it’s acceptable to not always feel sexually attracted to someone. However, stress, drink, certain medications, and being in the wrong mood can all have an effect on an erection. If achieving an erection is consistently difficult, however, erectile dysfunction may be the cause. The good news is that it is a treatable condition. Read the complete article to know about the cause, symptoms, treatments, etc.
Table of Contents
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is a condition in which a man’s penis does not become aroused during sexual intercourse or has difficulties sustaining it. This condition is more likely to affect elderly males than younger guys. One prevalent kind of male sexual dysfunction is erectile dysfunction, or ED. It occurs when a guy struggles to get or maintain an erection. ED becomes more common as you get older. However, it’s not a normal aspect of ageing.
Some people find it difficult to discuss sex with their doctors. But if you have ED, you should tell your doctor. ED might be an indication of health issues. It might indicate a blockage in your blood vessels. It might indicate that you have diabetic nerve damage. These issues won’t be addressed without discussion with the doctor. Your doctor can recommend various new erectile dysfunction remedies.
Read Also: Premature Ejaculation – Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment
What actually happens in the body when an erection occurs?
When a man becomes sexually aroused, his penis’s blood arteries relax and widen, allowing blood to stop flowing and fill them. This is why blood pressure and circulation issues are frequently associated with erectile dysfunction as prevalent physical reasons. For example, diseases such as heart disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure can all contribute to ED. In terms of physical factors, hormone imbalance can also induce ED.
Psychological issues can also contribute to erectile dysfunction, particularly in males under forty. An individual’s libido or sex desire may be impacted by mental health issues such as sadness and anxiety. Difficulties obtaining an erection can also be attributed to excessive stress. After all, the brain is where sexual arousal starts.
Mechanism of Erection
Nitric oxide is one of the most essential molecules involved in erectile dysfunction. The majority of ED medications involve nitric oxide pathways. Nitric oxide relaxes the smooth muscle of our blood arteries, allowing for better blood flow. It is useful not only for erectile function, but also for heart and general health.
Nitric oxide is involved in the hormone that regulates the quantity of testosterone your body produces and helps in the production of testosterone itself. Testosterone is necessary for a healthy erection. It also regulates the stress hormone cortisol, which improves sleep. As previously said, stress is one of the most prevalent underlying reasons for erectile dysfunction.
In the body, two systems function together. One is a sympathetic system, while the other is a parasympathetic system. Your parasympathetic system should be active to ensure a healthy erection. But when you are in stress, your sympathetic system primarily dominates. In the morning, when you are in sleep, the stress hormone level is low and your parasympathetic system is dominated. Therefore, if you have erectile dysfunction but a regular morning erection, stress may be the cause. If you can lower your stress, the problem of erections will naturally improve.
Nitric oxide is also involved in the sleep cycle. A sleeping disorder, such as sleep apnea, raises your chance of erectile dysfunction. Diabetic people are more likely to experience erectile dysfunction. This is due to the breakdown of endothelial cells within your blood vessels. These endothelial cells are the primary producers of nitric oxide in your body. Nitric oxide, on the other hand, improves insulin sensitivity, which is critical for diabetes management. Remember that some lipid-lowering medicines, such as statins and fibrates, can induce erectile dysfunction.
Diagnosis of Erectile Dysfunction
A person who is suffering from erectile dysfunction, they have to go through the following test.
- Physical tests: Nerve stimulation tests on the penis and testicles are conducted.
- Blood tests: Diabetes, low testosterone levels, coronary disease, and other illnesses are detected using this test.
- Urine test: A urine test is used to determine whether or not someone has diabetes.
- Ultrasound: This test is used to identify blood flow problems.
- Psychological test: The doctor consults with the patient to see whether there are any symptoms or psychological reasons for depression.
Erectile Dysfunction Treatment
So nitric oxide is the main key here. If we can increase nitric oxide level in a body, it will solve the erect related problem significantly. Normally, nitric oxide reduced by 50 percent after the 40s. You can follow the following point to boost nitric oxide in a body.
Nasal Breathing
Nitric oxide is produced in paranasal sinuses and is excreted continuously into the nasal airways of humans. When we breathe through our noses, nitric oxide enters the lungs and circulates throughout the body.
Regular Exercise
Regular exercise has several benefits. It helps to relieve tension, which is essential for treating erectile dysfunction. It can also benefit your vascular system and endothelial cells by increasing nitric oxide release. So frequent exercise is essential for a good and healthy erection.
Foods which are high in nitrates
There are lots of foods that can help you to maintain the level of nitrates.
- Spinach – 100 gm spinach contains anywhere from 24 to 387 mg of nitrates.
- Bok Choy – It can contain anywhere from 103 to 309 mg of nitrates per 100 gram.
- Lettuce – It has 13 to 267 mg of nitrates per 100 gram servings.
- Beets – According to one study, in 38 adults, Consuming a beetroot juice supplement increased nitric oxide levels by 21 percent just after 45 minutes.
- Carrot – It contains anywhere from 92 to 195 mg of nitrates per 100 gram.
- Others – People can consider are garlic, meat, dark chocolate, Citrus Fruit, Pomegranate, Nuts & seeds and watermelon.
Avoid Sugar and Alcohol
Avoid taking sugar & alcohol. Sugar increases the chances of having an atherosclerotic plant and can damage the endothelial lining of our blood vessels. So more the damage of endothelial lining less the amount of nitric oxide in a body. Alcohol also reduces the level of nitric oxide in a body.
Conclusion
ED may cause self-confidence difficulties and have an impact on your sex life and relationships, thus it is important to get therapy. Taking pills full of side effects is not always a good idea. This is just a temporary solution. Actually, despite the fact that erectile dysfunction is the most frequent sexual condition, people do not discuss it openly, and this has to change.
Many individuals feel this disgusting and uncomfortable, therefore they do not see a doctor, but it is critical to understand. This can happen to anyone; there’s no reason to hide it. It is worthwhile to discuss it with your spouse, and consulting a doctor is certainly recommended. Urologists and Andrologists can help you navigate the various medications, therapies, and exercises available to treat erectile dysfunction.
Reference Links:-
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562253/
https://www.emro.who.int/emhj-volume-17/volume-17-issue-7/article6.html
https://www.healthline.com/health/erectile-dysfunction
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332836071_Erectile_Dysfunction_An_Update
https://medlineplus.gov/erectiledysfunction.html#:~:text=Erectile%20dysfunction%20(ED)%20is%20a,a%20natural%20part%20of%20aging.
Hey, I am from Punjab and i never get this type of information anywhere. Thanks to write this in such a easy language.