What is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence in the common terms, happens when a man fails to get a firm erection for intercourse. If erection problem occurs in gaps, it's not a major concern. However, if this happens to be a persistent thing then you surely need to look into it.

Any issue pertaining to getting or being able to keep an erection can possibly be a sign of health condition in need of treatment, such as a heart disease or diabetes. Treating a hidden problem can reverse the erectile dysfunction. However, if treating the underlying condition fails to help your erectile disorder, you can always seek for other medications or direct treatments.

Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction

The symptoms can include perpetual:

• Problem in getting an erection
• Problem in keeping an erection
• Decreased sexual desire

Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

Sexual arousal in men happens to be a complex process involving brain, the hormones, emotions,  muscles, the nerves and blood vessels. Erectile dysfunction can occur owing to a problem with any of these. Stress and other mental health problems too cause erectile dysfunction. 

Physical causes

• Heart disease
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Multiple sclerosis
• Low testosterone
• Tobacco use
• Alcoholism 
• Prostate cancer treatments
• Surgeries or injuries affecting pelvic area or the spinal cord

Psychological causes 

The brain has a vital role to play in triggering physical events series causing an erection, starting on with the feelings of sexual excitement. There are many things that interfere with the sexual feelings , thereby causing erectile dysfunction. These are:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Relationship issues owing to stress, or other reasons

When to see a doctor

Though it would be good to see a family doctor in the case of erectile dysfunction, but if you don't have one, you can visit some other specialist. You should consult a doctor, if:

• It's creating issue for you or your partner
• You have diabetes, or any disease linked with erectile dysfunction
• You have symptoms along with it that aren't related

Treating Erectile Dysfunction 

Erectile dysfunction will subside when the underlying condition is treated. The doctor will prescribe you with the right medication. These can be oral medications that will you achieve an erection or enhance the durability of it. People with severe medical condition like heart disease will be suggested some other treatment. These call for use of mechanical aids, like a penis pump or penile implant. 

Also, you must make it a point to cut down drinking or smoking in order to reduce your risk of erectile dysfunction. Staying away from stress can also be of great hel