What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile Dysfunction Treatment
Men's Sexual Health Concerns
Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex for six (6) months. It can't be explained by anything else like stress, depression or anxiety. "ED" also stands for erectile disorder or erectile dysfunction.
In the last few decades, we've learned that about 52% of men aged 40 to 70 years have a prevalence of ED. The occurrence depends on age and health, with older individuals experiencing it more often. Other studies suggest that 20% of men over 30 have had experience with ED at some point in their life.
Having erection trouble from time to time can happen to anyone. The occasional ED is not necessarily a concern. However, the stress of not getting it on can cause ED to occur more often than it would have. In addition, the stress related to being unable to perform can affect your self-confidence and contribute to relationship problems, promoting losing an erection.
A man who can have an erection while masturbating but not during partnered sex differs from a man who cannot have an erection under any circumstances.
There are two types of Erectile Dysfunction:
Primary occurs when a man has never been able to have or sustain an erection, and this is rare, but it happens.
Secondary occurs in people who once had regular erectile function and now they don't. This is the most common type.
Erectile Dysfunction Causes
Psychiatric issues—anxiety and depression, and sexual anxiety are the common causes of erectile dysfunction. Relationship issues in and out of the bedroom can also be contributing factors. ED can also be n indicator of relationship dissatisfaction. Men generally navigate negative emotions by sexually withdrawing, and one such symptom is losing their erections or avoiding sex altogether. The body responds to the mind because the biggest sex organ is the brain.
ED may obscure a man's underlying relationship problems, such as high levels of conflict and lack of intimacy or feeling undesired. Issues concerning pregnancy and disagreements about starting or adding to a family can erode a man's desire for intercourse because sex becomes a chore.
Erectile Dysfunction Symptoms
Trouble getting and keeping an erection
Reduced sexual desire
Not getting a firm erection
Sometimes losing and gaining an erection several times in a single sexual experience
Erectile Dysfunction Treatment
The first place of contact in the treatment of erectile dysfunction for the majority of men—even those under 40 is their medical doctor. Most often, medical doctors will prescribe medication like viagra, Cialis and alike, regardless of whether the contributing factors are psychological or physiological.
This is despite the fact that a person may be able to treat the underlying cause and reverse symptoms with no medication. And thats where sex therapy comes into the picture.
Sex Therapists can help treat erectile dysfunction by using a holistic understanding of the individual's concerns. Most often, Erectile dysfunction is also caused by psychological factors, leading to sexual anxiety. Sex Therapy can then help treat erectile dysfunction by reducing sexual anxiety, increasing self-confidence, and improving relationship issues with a sexual partner.
Some men find that intense anxiety about sex prevents specific treatments from working. However, addressing this anxiety can improve overall results.
Individual counselling with a Sex Therapist can aid in uncovering the cause of the problem. In addition, a Sex Therapist can help you resolve relationship issues, manage anxiety and gain confidence with your sexual partner.
Sex Therapy can also incorporate couples counselling. Erectile dysfunction is not an individual concern but a relationship issue. Sex Therapy can help sexual partners talk through their feelings and find healthful, constructive ways to communicate about ED and heal together.
Other treatment options used in conjunction with Sex Therapy may include:
Adjusting the lifestyle can improve many issues that cause ED, such as diabetes, smoking and an overall healthy diet relieving clogged arteries. Men with underlying health issues should discuss options with their doctors.
Lifestyle changes that can help include:
Using relaxation exercises to manage ED-related stress and control blood pressure
Exercising to improve blood flow
Losing weight, when necessary, lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol and testosterone levels
Pelvic floor muscle exercises
Pelvic floor muscles help men to urinate and ejaculate. Strengthening these muscles may also improve erectile function. A pelvic floor physiotherapist can be a great resource.
ED can negatively impact self-esteem. It may be difficult to talk about, but the issue is common. Therefore, it is essential to acknowledge and discuss ED, particularly when it causes depression or anxiety.
