Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is often a symptom of an underlying health condition. It is important to take it seriously, and to seek treatment if necessary.
The good news is that there are many things that can help. We will discuss some of the more surprising risk factors for erectile dysfunction that you should pay attention to.
Poor Circulation
The heart, arteries, veins and capillaries are like a far-reaching delivery system that delivers oxygen and other nutrients to the cells of your body and takes away waste. When this system works properly, blood reaches all the areas of your body that need it and does so in an efficient manner. But if you have poor circulation, problems can occur.
An erection occurs when psychosexual stimulation triggers nerve signals to the blood vessels that supply the penis. These signals cause the cells that line these blood vessels to produce nitric oxide, which causes them to dilate. This allows enough blood to flow into the penis to create an erection. The erection then becomes firm enough to last during sexual activity. After orgasm, the erection fades and blood returns to the general circulation.
Many health issues can reduce blood flow into the penis, including hardened arteries (cardiovascular disease), diabetes, high blood pressure and smoking. Some medications like Cenforce 100mg, Cenforce 200mg can also interfere with blood flow, such as nitrates used for heart disease and cancer therapies that affect the pelvic region.
ED can also be the first sign of a cardiovascular issue, such as a heart attack or stroke. This “canary in the coalmine” symptom is sometimes called vasculogenic erectile dysfunction, and it often precedes the onset of a heart problem by 3 to 5 years.
Hormonal Imbalance
Hormonal imbalance can affect the way your body works in many ways. For example, if you have high levels of testosterone or low estrogen, your erections might be harder to achieve and maintain. Hormonal imbalances can also affect your mood, causing you to feel irritable or gloomy all the time, or even experience sudden bursts of anger.
Changing your diet, exercise, sleep and stress levels can help correct hormone imbalances. It’s important to work with a healthcare professional to make these changes because the exact treatment will depend on what’s causing the imbalance in the first place.
Another reason a hormonal imbalance could cause erectile dysfunction is that it can reduce the blood supply to the penis. This is because long-term high blood pressure can lower nitric oxide levels, which causes blood vessels to relax and dilate. Nitric oxide is needed for a good erection and to get blood flowing to the penis.
Finally, long-term erectile dysfunction can lead to a loss of sexual desire or feelings of inability to perform in a sexual context. This is called psychogenic erectile dysfunction and it’s usually caused by stress, anxiety or depression.
A doctor can test your hormone levels and prescribe medication if necessary. In addition, lifestyle changes can improve hormone imbalances and can have a positive effect on the health of your penis as well.
Mental Health Issues
Mental health issues can affect a person’s ability to perform sexually. Often, this is due to anxiety about performance or concerns about how a partner will react. It’s important to talk openly with your partner about these concerns and work together to find ways to relieve stress and anxiety in the bedroom. Regular exercise, relaxation techniques and talking through concerns with a counselor can help.
Depression is linked to ED, and people who have chronic medical conditions like diabetes may also experience problems with firmness. The risk is higher in patients taking psychotropic medications. If you are feeling depressed, see a doctor and consider treatment, which can include talk therapy or medication.
Getting regular physical activity and making healthy changes in your diet can all improve erectile function. But if your symptoms persist, it’s time to see your healthcare provider. They can help you find a therapy or treatment that relieves your symptoms and encourages positive sexual experiences.
Many men do not seek medical attention for erectile dysfunction because of embarrassment, which can lead to more serious health problems down the line. It’s important for doctors to ask their patients about sex and sexual problems so they can diagnose and treat any underlying conditions sooner. In addition, a man who has trouble with his erections may avoid sexual activity altogether, which can put strain on the relationship and lead to additional health issues.
Smoking
Erectile dysfunction is a common issue for many men. While a variety of issues can cause it, there is one specific behavior that is a known risk factor: smoking. The chemicals found in cigarettes damage your blood vessels and can lead to a host of serious health issues. However, they also have a direct impact on sexual function.
The problem is the nicotine in cigarettes causes your blood vessels to constrict, reducing blood flow throughout the body, including the penis. Erections are a result of sexual arousal signals sent to nerves in the penis that cause arteries to open and fill with blood. This is done in response to signals from the brain. This process requires a steady supply of blood to the penis.
Smokers are about two times more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction than non-smokers. This holds true regardless of age and other health conditions. Even those who switch to e-cigarettes, which have less nicotine than regular cigarettes, are at risk of ED.
Quitting cigarette smoking is the most effective way to increase your chances of overcoming ED. While it may be difficult, the rewards of improved cardiovascular health and sexual function make it worth it. For those who are struggling to quit, a doctor can help. They can recommend a quit plan and provide medication to help improve circulation, such as alprostadil. They can also recommend other lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet, physical activity and stress management techniques.
Is there a link between lifestyle and erectile dysfunction?
The NIH Massachusetts Male Ageing Study discovered that eating fruits, vegetables, healthy grains, and seafood reduced the risk of ED. Unfortunately, this necessitates a reduction in the consumption of red meat, processed meat, and refined cereals. Mild to Moderate Alcohol Consumption – This is a positive thing.
