Erectile dysfunction, also known as ED or impotence, is the most common sex-related condition that men report to healthcare providers. It involves the inability to get and keep an erection for sexual intercourse. There are different types of ED, and these can be caused by various conditions that affect your blood vessels, nerves, mental health, etc. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about erectile dysfunction, including causes, risk factors, prevention, and treatment.
What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
The underlying cause of ED is the inability for blood flow to increase within the penis during stimulation. Emotional factors such as stress or depression can contribute to reduced blood flow, however, ED may be a symptom of other health issues. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you speak with your healthcare professional if you experience erectile dysfunction.
What Causes ED?
A number of factors can contribute to the onset of erectile dysfunction:
- Age: As we grow older, our blood vessels weaken and constrict, reducing blood flow through the entire body. If the blood vessels within the penis become too weak, they will prevent the additional blood flow required to form an erection.
- Psychological: Metal factors such as depression, fear and stress can reduce cognitive health and the brain’s ability to send proper messages within the body. This communication breakdown often results in a partial erection or an erection that does not last through intercourse.
- Medical: Health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and certain cancers can all contribute to reduced blood flow within the body. Medical events such as stroke, spinal chord trauma, kidney or liver failure, and surgery can all decrease cognitive health and mental signaling.
- Hormones: Men with decreased testosterone levels may have less desire for sexual activity which directly affects the ability to form an erection. In some cases, low testosterone may be a result of thyroid issues.
Who Does ED Affect?
Some men begin experiencing ED in the 40’s while it’s estimated that ED affects half the men over the age of 50. Factors that contribute to the onset of ED include:
- A Body Mass Index greater than 25
- Physical inactivity
- Diabetes and/or a heart condition
- Struggle with depression, fear or stress
- Alcohol, tobacco or drug use
- Take certain medications including antihistamines, diuretics and sedatives
- Have certain medical procedures including pelvic and spinal surgery
Preventing ED
A lifestyle that supports a healthy heart is a very effective method to avoid erectile dysfunction. Daily physical exercise and a healthy diet with restrictions on alcohol, tobacco and drug use are all great for your heart. Regular doctor visits with honest conversations become more important as we age. It allows your doctor to identify trends, and potential changes to your physical and mental health before they become actual problems. Regular visits also allow your doctor to properly treat chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
Treating ED
A simple lifestyle change may be enough to eliminate a man’s erectile dysfunction. Surgery and injections are more complex solutions that are used on rare occasions. For many men, a prescription medication such as Cialis (tadalafil) or Viagra (sildenafil) is their best option to treat ED. Please have an honest conversation with your doctor to determine what is the best course of treatment for your ED.
More About Erectile Dysfunction Medication
The following articles provide additional detail about the ED treatment options that Lakeview Pharmacy provides:
- Sildenafil vs Tadalafil: What’s The Difference
- Different Avenue of Relief: Troche ED Medication
- What Is The Right Sildenafil Dosage For You
- Understanding What Tadalafil Dosage Works Best For You
Please call one of our pharmacists at 262.632.0520 if you have any questions or if you would like to transfer your ED prescription to Lakeview Pharmacy.
If you would like to speak with a doctor about your ED, our telehealth partner CallOnDoc.com will charge $40 to put you in touch with a licensed physician. They will review your health history and discuss the best treatment option for you. If they determine prescription medication is the best solution, ask them to send the prescription to Lakeview Pharmacy.
