Sexual health is the state of being that allows men to fully engage and enjoy sexual activity. It’s determined by physical, psychological, and interpersonal factors.

Men with sexual problems commonly experience a lack of desire, premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. While medication can help address some of these issues, not all men who experience these issues benefit from taking medications that’s available at specialitetapotek.

What is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a widespread issue among men, impacting around 30 million men across the US. It can be frustrating, debilitating and cause of stress; it may even lead to emotional or relationship difficulties. A visit with your doctor will help identify the source of your ED and create an appropriate treatment plan.

Erectile function is controlled by your nervous system. Medications that interfere with this process, such as certain stimulants and sedatives, may lead to ED. Furthermore, certain drugs used to treat cancer, heart disease and depression may also trigger ED symptoms.

A visit to a doctor can help determine whether an ED is due to physical or psychological causes. They will perform a physical exam, including an inspection of your penis and testicles; additionally, they’ll conduct blood and pee tests to check for health conditions that might lead to ED; they may also conduct a mental health exam to detect stress, anxiety and depression as potential triggers of the disorder.

If your doctor suspects there may be a physical cause for the problem, they may suggest medication to increase blood flow in your penis and make it easier to achieve an erection. Drugs like sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn) and testosterone may help if prescribed by your healthcare provider.

These medications work by increasing the circulation of blood in your penis, leading to an erection when sexually stimulated. Some are available as pills before you have sex; others can be injected directly into your penis or administered as a suppository into your urethra.

Medication can also help relieve symptoms of ED, such as pain or difficulty urinating. Speaking with a counselor about these symptoms and learning how to cope with them is another option.

Men who suffer from ED often also struggle with anxiety about their sexual behavior and erections. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, emasculation and shame; it may even cause someone to withdraw from intimate relationships which leads to feelings of loneliness and unhappiness.

Erectile Dysfunction Causes

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be caused by a variety of conditions. These may include physical, psychological and neurological disorders as well as health conditions like diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.

One of the most frequent causes of ED is a condition known as “venous leak.” This occurs when weakening or malfunctioning of the smooth muscle tissue surrounding penile veins allows blood to leak back into arteries instead of into spongy tissue inside the penis. This can result in sudden loss of an erection and be the first sign of atherosclerosis – hardening or narrowing of arteries carrying blood to the penile region.

Other causes of ED include weakening or malfunctioning cavernous nerves that control the flow of blood to the penis, muscles around veins, and certain medications. Hormone therapy for prostate cancer, which may lower testosterone levels, may also contribute to ED symptoms.

Men with a history of mental illness or depression are more likely to have an ED than those without these issues. Furthermore, they are more likely to be overweight and possess other risk factors for developing it such as having a family history of the condition, or exposure to substances like tobacco, alcohol and illegal drugs.

A study published in 2005 revealed that men who regularly performed pelvic floor muscle exercises with a physiotherapist, as well as received biofeedback and advice on lifestyle changes (like quitting smoking or losing weight), saw their penile function significantly improve compared to those who only received advice.

These treatments can help men regain a rigid, firm erection to have satisfying intercourse. However, it’s important to consult your doctor before beginning any of these treatments as not all men respond well to them.

Vacuum constriction devices that pump air into the penis and draw blood into the genitals are another effective treatment for erectile dysfunction. They often come paired with an elastic ring in order to maintain the erection.

Erectile Dysfunction Treatments

Erection dysfunction (ED) can be treated with various medications, such as sildenafil (sold as Viagra) and other drugs that increase blood flow to the penis and cause an erection. Vacuum pumps are also highly effective in about two thirds of cases – highly effective enough that two-thirds are used.

If your erectile dysfunction (ED) isn’t improving with the appropriate treatment, consult your doctor to identify the underlying issue. It could be due to something as simple as vascular disease, diabetes or even a neurological disorder. Your healthcare provider can perform tests that pinpoint the source of your ED and prescribe the most effective medication or other solution for treating it effectively.

In addition to assessing your general health, your doctor will inquire about sexual habits and any factors that might influence erections. They may also inquire if there is a history of depression, anxiety or other psychological problems.

A complete blood count (CBC) can detect anemia, which is characterized by the lack of red blood cells that may contribute to fatigue and erectile dysfunction. Other tests that may be needed include electrocardiography (EKG), as well as a blood pressure test to assess heart and kidney function.

The CBC will also test your levels of thyroid hormone and testosterone, which are essential for sexual function. Medications that reduce or block these hormones may result in erectile dysfunction.

Other causes of ED include nerve problems or trauma. Neurologic conditions like multiple sclerosis or an injury to the spine can interfere with nerves sending impulses to the penis. Certain drugs, such as anti-anxiety and antidepressants, glaucoma eye drops and cancer chemotherapy agents may also contribute to ED symptoms.

Men who have undergone surgery or radiation for prostate, bladder or rectum cancer may find the treatments damaging the cavernous nerves in the penis that control erection and ejaculation. This makes it difficult to achieve a natural erection even after these nerves have recovered and the cancer removed.

Research is ongoing into treatments for erectile dysfunction. Although these therapies have not been approved by the FDA and may only be available through clinical trials, patients should consult their doctor about potential risks and benefits before beginning any of them.

Erectile Dysfunction Medication

Erectile dysfunction can make a man’s sexual life difficult, so treating the condition is vital. If left untreated, it could lead to other health complications as well.

Doctors frequently prescribe medications to treat ED. These may include drugs that increase the blood flow to the penis and relax the muscles, thus improving both its quality and duration.

Medication for erectile dysfunction can have many advantages, but also potential risks. It is essential that you discuss any potential hazards with your doctor prior to taking any erectile dysfunction medications.

Your doctor will review your medical history and conduct a physical exam to diagnose the source of your ED and determine the most effective treatment plan.

They will assess your health, including taking a blood pressure measurement and performing a complete blood count (CBC). If they suspect the issue could be due to anemia or another blood disorder, they may prescribe medicines to either prevent it from occurring or treat it effectively.

It is also essential to discuss with your doctor any other health conditions you have, such as high cholesterol or diabetes, that could increase the likelihood of developing erectile dysfunction.

If your erectile dysfunction is due to a mental health condition such as depression or anxiety, your doctor can provide the assistance you need. They may suggest counseling which can reduce stress and boost confidence when having sexual relations.

You may opt to treat your erectile dysfunction with exercise, diet and lifestyle modifications. These can improve sexual performance while decreasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Another type of treatment involves surgery. This may involve inserting a device into the penis that creates an erection or altering its shape with implants, rings or pumps.

Your doctor will determine the most suitable treatment option for you based on a thorough medical history and an understanding of your preferences.

Some doctors prescribe medications to increase nitric oxide in the bloodstream. Nitric oxide relaxes muscles and increases circulation to the penis, making it easier for men to achieve an erection.