What is Erectile Dysfunction: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Every man on the planet aspires to have an amazing sex experience with his partner. The ultimate happiness in life cannot be achieved without an erection. But erectile dysfunction can lead to feelings of embarrassment, frustration, inadequacy and even ruined relationships.

Erection is the firmness of the penis which occurs with the involvement of the brain, nerves, hormones and circulatory system.

The first erection occurs during puberty and persists throughout youth. Males in their 20s and 30s experience sexual arousal and strong erections, which leads to intense sexual performance with their partners. After aging, one’s stamina for holding a penis firm for a longer time diminishes, resulting in disappointments and conflicts with partners. And that’s how erectile dysfunction takes place which is recognised as the stage of impotence. In some cases, impotence may begin early.

What is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is the physical inability of a man to get his penis hard enough for sexual intercourse. It does not let the person perform in bed and satisfy his partner. Erection is actually about the firmness of the penis that can give pleasure to the female partner and help them conceive easily. The inability to hold the erection longer can be the possibility of impotence.

Occasional problems with erection may not be an issue of worry. But if the erection problem is continuous then it can make the life of a couple miserable followed by stress and lack of confidence.

How common is erectile dysfunction?

As per the studies done by medical experts, males develop impotence with the increasing age. It also happens with the younger lot. Nearly 50% of the males have been diagnosed with the problem of incompetence in achieving firmness of the penis and maintaining it for longer periods.

What are the risk factors for erectile dysfunction?

Apart from increasing age, different disorders, consumption of drugs and alcohol abuse contribute to infertility in males.

Men may lose interest in sexual activity and suffer from weak or simply no erection due to:

1. Rise in glucose levels.
2. A chronic problem in the pelvic area.
3. High cholesterol and cardiac disorders.
4. Unusual size of the penis
5. Weak nervous system.
6. Intake of drugs for blood pressure and depression. It is the side effect that appears in the form of impotence or the erection problem.
7. Sexually transmitted infections or diseases and even hepatitis B can risk the sexual health of males by causing erection difficulties.

What is the impact of erectile dysfunction on men and their partners?

The man who experiences erectile failure has a fear of failing in bed. He refrains from performing in bed. Single individuals who are weak or have no erection would avoid getting married or staying away from a relationship.

Moving forward in their relationship with their partner may be difficult if the male is already married and experiencing such a problem. Emotional stress, depression, and anxiety will have a greater impact on the man than the physical aspect. The outcome of such a kind of conjugal relationship will be conflicts, both physical and emotional, separation and divorce.

How does an erection work?

The hardness or firmness of the penis is caused by the blood filling the soft tissue inside the penile area. When a male is sexually aroused, nitric oxide comes out of the nerve and tissue endings. The penile tissue receives blood and it causes erection and an increase in size.

What is the role of blood flow in an erection?

Uninterrupted flow of blood through the arteries causes erection. Arteries carrying the blood must be free from unhealthy or toxic fats. Unclogged blood vessels allow blood to flow easily and collect in the softer area of the penis, triggering erections. This softer area is identified as corpora cavernosa. It is the smooth blood circulation in the body connecting with the heart through arteries that helps in successful erection of the penis. 

What is the role of nerves in an erection?

Brain sends the messages to the penile area through the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves for the blood to flow in the penis. That’s how the erection occurs.

What is the role of hormones in an erection?

It is the contribution of the oxytocin hormone in invoking the testosterone male hormone from the testes. That’s how the male gets sexually inclined and romantically involved with his partner.

Causes of Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Any physical disorder or psychological setback can cause a hard time maintaining an erection for a longer period. Heart problems can be caused by difficulties in achieving erection. Discussion with the specialist will help find the exact cause of performance failure in bed and proceed with treatment.

Physical causes of ED

Increasing age contributes to metabolic changes in the body and as a result, many men get affected with chronic physical disorders after their 40’s and 50’s. Not every man adjusts to the changes in health faces troubles with given physical problems and loses interest in sex. Such physical problems discussed below trigger erection problems in men: 

Cardiovascular Disease

Unhealthy fats and cholesterol block the arteries that connect to the heart. It causes the man to suffer from coronary heart disease. The blood vessels that connect to the neck, belly, and penis also become clogged as a result of coronary arterial conditions. And that makes the erection difficult.

Diabetes

The circulatory process through the arteries that supply the penis is slowed down as blood sugar levels rise in the body. The individual struggles to achieve or sustain an erection for an extended period as a result.

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Obesity

Accumulation of the fats in the body does not let the blood flow smoothly through the arteries and reach the penis. Therefore, man struggles with getting erection.

Neurological Disorders

Serious nerve injury or illnesses can harm a man’s sexual health. An erection cannot occur if the nerves connected to the penis are damaged.[1]

Hormonal Imbalances

Strong erections are a result of high testosterone. However, the man’s body’s growing tiredness prevents him from getting proper erections. It is a result of low testosterone levels.

Medications

It is one of the major physical causes of ED. The penis-related nerves are weakened and the blood flow in the penis is slowed down by medications used to treat nerve, blood sugar, and heart disorders.

Injuries

The nerves and tissues that link to the penis become weaker by physical trauma to the area. Injuries to the penile area cause the blood flow to either slow down or halt. Man can become impotent as a result.

Addiction

Smoking and alcohol addiction can cause erectile dysfunction. Smoking causes ED by damaging the blood vessels and nerves of the penis and reducing testosterone. Alcohol is known to damage penile nerves, reduces testosterone level, dehydrates your body, and disrupts sleep, all of which contribute to ED.

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Psychological causes of ED

Performance anxiety

It is one of the common psychological causes of ED. Performance anxiety occurs when the man starts doubting his penis size and physical appearance. 

Stress

Stress hormone cortisol (also known as the “stress hormone”) increases as a result of pressure brought on by performance and financial issues at work. In bed with the partner, it therefore renders the person shaky.

Depression

Normally, the brain uses nerves to transmit signals to the penis to facilitate blood flow in the penile area. This is how the erection occurs. However, depression, sorrow or unhappiness brought on by any failure in life impairs brain function. As a result, a man loses interest in engaging in sexual activity in bed. 

Relationship Problems

You will experience erection problems if the relationship lacks excitement, spark, or fun. Any negative feeling, such as anger or irritation, can prevent you from achieving or maintaining an erection. The performance is worsened by ongoing disagreement or a lack of emotional intimacy.

Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Knowing the symptoms of ED will help you to understand the severity of the problem and gain the right treatment.

Difficulty Getting an erection

It occurs when there is inadequate blood supply to the penile region, which can be caused by unhealthy eating habits, excessive alcohol consumption, or physical and psychological issues.

Difficulty maintaining an erection

It is about the incapability of keeping an erection for a prolonged period of time.  It leads to early ejaculation. Blood flow irregularities, high cholesterol levels, blood sugar spikes, and sleep apnea can all interfere with causing an erection for a longer amount of time.

Reduced erection firmness

The blood does not flow smoothly in the softer portion of the penis due to weak neurons and congested blood arteries connecting to it. Because of this, the penis is difficult to erect.

Reduced sexual desire

The hormone cortisol, which is rising, prevents blood from flowing to the penile region. Stress hormones lowers the capacity of the brain to send signals through the nerves.  It is then the man fails in achieving erection and holding it for a longer time.

Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

A specialist knowledgeable in modern or Ayurvedic treatments can assist in the diagnosis and management of impotence, offering appropriate treatment, medications or surgery as needed.

It has been noted that the medications used to treat infertility frequently result in consequences like heart failure or additional harm to essential organs. To be on the safe side, it is best to seek a doctor’s approval before beginning treatments for ED listed below:

Allopathy

In allopathy, you can go for oral medications like Viagra to boost the flow of blood in the penis in a prescribed way. But there can be the risk of side effects. It may be too expensive to handle erectile problems and the side effects caused by allopathic medications.

Ayurvedic 

Treatment for erectile dysfunction in Ayurveda is a combination of diet, lifestyle changes as well as consumption of herbal and Ayurvedic herbs and vajikarana treatment.

Some of the most widely used and mentioned Ayurvedic herbs for erectile dysfunction include Ashwagandha, Shilajit, Kaunch Beej, Gokshura, Safed Musli and Jaifal.

According to ayurveda these herbs are believed to improve libido, increase stamina, and strengthen erectile muscles. 

Consuming these natural herbs directly can be tricky for you. Instead, you can try our Ayush approved Ayurvedic formulations Kaama Gold and Liv Muztang Capsules and oil to get rid of erectile dysfunction naturally and improve your performance in bed.

Vajikarana is yet another important discipline mentioned in Ayurveda for sexual performance enhancement and treatment of sexual diseases like erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. Vajikarana literally means “producing horse-like vigor.” It is a reference to the horse’s capacity for prolonged and vigorous sexual activity.

Surgery

It all depends on the quality of health of a man to sustain the surgical procedures for erectile dysfunction. Surgery may be invasive and carried on by administering anesthesia to stimulate the flow of blood to the penis. However, surgery may cause a risk of infection or further flaws in the penile tissues. Moreover, not everyone would be able to afford the surgery for ED.

Lifestyle changes

1. It is one of the straightforward methods for treating male sexual dysfunction. 
2. It entails eating a balanced diet full of zinc, magnesium, and iron as well as exercising frequently and practicing yoga to maintain a healthy weight. 
3. Alcohol and other addictive substances should be stopped for a quick recovery from erectile dysfunction.
4.  Additionally, getting enough sleep is essential for calming the nerves and facilitating blood flow in the penile region.

Also Read>>> Weight Management with Ayurveda – Tips for Healthy Weight Loss

Therapy

Male sexual dysfunction is treated by vajikarana therapy, according to Charaka Samhita. Vajikarana is an age-old practice that involves using the right aphrodisiac herbs to stimulate the sexual nerves and improve sexual performance. Such vaman, virechan, and other procedures are carried out by a professional depending on the type of man. However, if the Ayurveda vajikarana treatments are contaminated, there may be chances of adverse effects. 

Conclusion

Without successful sex with his ideal partner, a man’s life is incomplete.  The ultimate pleasure in bed, however, is denied to some men. One of the main problems that does not hinder the male from enjoying a joyful and full sex life is erectile dysfunction. The main contributing factor could be growing older. It reduces stamina. The causes of weak erection problems include a combination of physical and psychological concerns. Identifying the signs of impotence and pursuing treatment will be made easier by discussing the issue with the expert.