Erectile dysfunction or impotence is a sexual dysfunction characterised by the inability of a man to attain or sustain an erection of the penis during sexual activity. The process is triggered by the signals transmitted from the brain to nerves in the penis. It may cause stress, relationship problems, or affect your self-confidence.
A recent study addresses the overall prevalence of the disease in men aged below 20 years as 18.4%, suggesting that erectile dysfunction affects 18 million men in the US. It is also known to affect older men, particularly those over 40 years old!
Signs and symptoms of ED
Having erection trouble from time to time isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. But if erectile dysfunction is an ongoing problem, then it is definitely a symptom of ED. An individual suffering from ED can encounter the following conditions:
- Difficulty in achieving an erection
- Inability to sustain an erection
- Reduced libido
- Only being able to achieve an erection during masturbation, but not during sexual intercourse.
Why is the problem caused?
Erectile dysfunction can stem from various reasons. The major reason behind dysfunction is that blood does not properly reach the penis, and blood flow can be impaired due to the following reasons:
- Anatomical – When there is something wrong with the physical structure of the penis.
- Hormonal – When the hormone level is not right, or hormones are not secreted properly.
- Neurogenic – When the nervous system is affected (brain, nerves and spinal cord), a sexual dysfunction problem occurs.
- Age – The percentage of complete ED increases from 5% to 15% as age increases from 40 to 70 years.
- Diabetes – Men who have diabetes are two to three times more likely to have erectile dysfunction than men who do not have diabetes.
- Atherosclerosis – The smaller arteries in the penis are the first to get plugged up, and hence, the blood flow is reduced, thus making erection difficult.
- Lifestyle and ED – Lifestyle choices can also affect blood circulation, thus contributing to ED. High alcohol and caffeine consumption, along with cholesterol-rich food, can impact your body.
Diagnosis
A complete physical examination is required to uncover signs and the reasons for erectile dysfunction. A doctor may ask for certain blood tests, measuring testosterone and cholesterol levels or a duplex ultrasound scan, which determines the underlying reason for erectile dysfunction. Apart from that, other tests are performed to determine the cause of the condition.
Treatment options for ED
There are different ways of treating impotency. Medicinal and surgical interventions are as stated below:
- Oral medications – the most common medications for treating erectile dysfunction are known as Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors. These include three wonder drugs, i.e. Sildenafil, Tadalafil, and Vardenafil, which give an erection when needed.
- Injection or pellets – Alprostadil, a synthetic hormone, is injected or a pellet is inserted into the urethra (opening of the penis), which causes an erection.
- Vacuum Devices (Pumps) – When a person fails to attain an erection with medication, vacuum devices are used.
- Surgery – This is helpful in case a blockage in an artery causes ED. The procedure is recommended for young men whose blockage stems from an injury to the crotch or pelvis.
Natural Treatments for E
For a long time, humans have tried many forms of natural remedies for erectile dysfunction. The scientific effects of many drugs and medications are unknown or unproven. Therefore, you can follow these remedies:
- Nutritional Supplements: Nutritional supplements, including the bioflavonoid, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E, and flaxseed meal, have been used to improve erectile function.
- DHEA: Certain ED patients with low DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) levels showed improvement in erectile function after receiving supplemental DHEA. The Massachusetts Male Ageing Study showed that men with ED were more likely to have low levels of DHEA. However, very little research on the long-term safety of DHEA has been done, and most experts do not recommend its use, as overdose leads to suppression of pituitary function.
Home Remedies: There are some home remedies also, which could be tried in lieu of commercial medications to bolster sex life:
- Ginseng: Also called the “herbal Viagra,” Panax ginseng (“red ginseng”) has solid research behind it. Korean red ginseng is also known as Asian ginseng, Chinese ginseng, or Panax ginseng. It helps promote nitric oxide synthesi,s which causes an erection.
- L-Arginine: The amino acid L-arginine, which occurs naturally in food, boosts the body’s production of nitric oxide, a compound that facilitates erections by dilating blood vessels in the penis.
- Pomegranate juice: Drinking antioxidant-rich pomegranate juice has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.
- Yohimbe: A derivative of the herb Yohimbe (yohimbine hydrochloride) is used to treat ED. But experts say the medication is not particularly effective, and it can cause nervousness and other problems.
- Horny Goat Weed: Italian researchers found that the main compound in horny goat weed, called icariin, acted in a similar way as drugs like Viagra.
- Ginkgo Biloba: Used in cases caused by the use of certain antidepressant medications.
- Acupuncture: Fine needles are inserted in the skin at specific points. Acupuncture stimulates the body’s ability to resist or overcome illnesses by correcting “imbalances.” Acupuncture has helped some men with ED.
- Garlic: Chewing two to three cloves of raw garlic every day helps treat sexual impotence and improve sperm production.
- White Onion: Could be taken daily with a spoonful of honey on an empty stomach.
- Carrot, egg and honey: Finely chopped carrot with a half-boiled egg and a tablespoon of honey can help increase sexual stamina.
- Asparagus: To cure impotency, boiled asparagus is highly effective. It also contains several vitamins and minerals.
- Drumstick: The powder of the dry bark taken with honey or consumed as a soup with milk is valuable in impotency, premature ejaculation, and thinness of semen.
- Ginger and Honey: The juice extracted from ginger, mixed with honey and eaten with a half-boiled egg, can help cure impotency.
- Dried Dates: Dried dates mixed with almonds, pistachio nuts, and quince seeds is another meal preparation that helps in causing an erection.
- Raisins and Milk: Eat black raisins boiled in milk to get the desired results.
No matter which erectile dysfunction treatment you choose, experts also suggest maintaining a healthy, nutritious diet. It is important to avoid smoking, overeating and increased alcohol consumption. Other methods are also available in the market for ED treatment; some of the best ED drugs are available in the market, like
- Suhagra 100 mg
- Suhagra 50 mg
- Suhagra 25 mg
If you found this article helpful, do share it with your friends, particularly your male buddies! Also, post any comments if you have any health-related queries.
Max Jones
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