Erectile dysfunction is the inability to sustain a firm erection for sex. Having trouble occasionally is no cause for concern, but if it is consistently impossible to achieve a firm erection then it is a cause for concern. If this has been going on for a long period, it can cause stress, and low self-esteem and affect your sex life.
Several things can go wrong and interfere during sexual activity. Sometimes it can be a combination of physical and psychological issues, a proper medical diagnosis can help get a solution to resolve sexual difficulties.
Physical causes include
Heart-related disease
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Clogged blood vessels
High cholesterol
Parkinson’s disease
Metabolic syndrome
Tobacco use
Drugs and alcoholism
Sleep disorders
Low testosterone
Psychological causes
Stress
Depression
Anxiety
Relationship problems
Fear of intimacy
Other factors
These could cause difficulty with forming an erection with growing age
Medications- meds that interfere with your sexual desire
Anxiety: around 30% of men face sexual performance anxiety
Smoking or drinking: long-term drinkers or chain smokers are found to have erectile dysfunction
Medical treatments: due to diseases like cancer or heart disease a person may be unable to attain a proper erection.
ED medications are usually safe, but under some conditions, they should not be taken to avoid the risk of potential side effects or drug interactions. These include
When individuals take nitrates — commonly prescribed for chest pain (angina) — such as nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur, Nitrostat, others), isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket), and isosorbide dinitrate
When individuals suffer from very low blood pressure (hypotension) or uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension)
When individuals have severe liver disease
When individuals have kidney disease that requires dialysis
Premature ejaculation is a condition when a man orgasms (reaches climax) quicker than anticipated with little sexual stimulation and control. It can happen during foreplay or after a few minutes into sexual activity.
If you routinely experience premature ejaculation or stress around managing your ejaculation time, it is time to consult your doctor. To get a better understanding of your situation, your doctor will ask about your sexual history. It is absolutely important to be open and honest with your doctor. This will help them provide you with the best solutions. Your doctor may examine your prostate or run a couple of neurological tests to understand if it’s a biological or psychological problem. Some blood tests and physical exams might also be conducted.