Taking erectile dysfunction pills is still the easiest way for most older men to manage their ed. The drugs work quickly to increase blood flow to the penis to help produce and maintain an erection, and the effect can last several hours, usually with minimal side effects. With more generic versions available, ed drugs are now more affordable. But ed pills don’t work for everyone, or the results are inconsistent. Men also could be bothered by the side effects, such as headaches, flushing, upset stomach, or dizziness. This doesn’t mean you have no other options. "there are other methods that may be just as just as effective as taking traditional ed drugs," says dr.

With erectile dysfunction (ed), it is hard to get or keep an erection that is firm enough for sex. When ed becomes a routine and bothersome problem, your primary care provider or a urologist can help. Ed may be a major warning sign of cardiovascular disease indicating blockages are building in a man's vascular system. Some studies have shown men with ed are at significant risk of getting a heart attack, stroke or circulatory problems in the legs. Ed also causes: low self-esteem depression distress for the man and his partner if ed is affecting a man's well-being or his relationships, it should be treated. https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/e/erectile-dysfunction-(ed)

Erectile dysfunction can have a physical, neurological, or psychological cause. Physical conditions associated with ed include obesity, type-2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, high blood fats, coronary artery disease, premature ejaculation, and a deficiency of the hormone testosterone. Medical treatments, such as surgery, radiation, hormones commonly used for prostate cancer, and medications, such as some antidepressants , can also cause or worsen ed, as can the use of tobacco, alcohol , and illegal drugs. Neurological conditions that can cause ed include parkinson's disease and strokes. The psychological causes of ed generally occur in men under the age of 40 and include performance anxiety , relationship problems, religious taboos, prior sexual abuse , and mood disorders, such as depression , ptsd , and generalized anxiety.

Get the Facts about Erectile Dysfunction

You should not use a vacuum pump if you have a bleeding disorder or if you are taking anticoagulant medicines , which reduce the ability of your blood to clot. Side effects of vacuum pumps include pain or bruising, although these occur in less than a third of men. Men who qualify for nhs prescriptions for erectile dysfunction treatments may be able to get a vacuum pump on the nhs (see above for more details). However, some men will need to buy one. The sexual advice association produces a number of factsheets, including one on vacuum pumps that provides details of companies that supply them.

The physical examination can reveal clues to the physical causes of erectile dysfunction. A doctor will perform an assessment of bmi and waist circumference to evaluate for abdominal obesity. A genital examination is part of the evaluation of erectile dysfunction. The examination will focus on the penis and testes. The doctor will ask you about penile curvature and will examine the penis to see if there are any plaques (hard areas) palpable. The doctor will examine the testes to make sure they are in the proper location in the scrotum and are normal in size. Small testicles, lack of facial hair, and enlarged breasts ( gynecomastia ) can point to hormonal problems such as hypogonadism with low testosterone levels.

Finding the cause of your ed will help direct your treatment options. Diagnosing ed starts with your health care provider asking questions about your heart and vascular health and your erection problem. Your provider may also give you a physical exam, order lab tests or refer you to a urologist. See more see less.

Erectile dysfunction becomes commoner with increasing age and is seen in 50 - 55% of men between 40 and 70 years old; it is often associated with obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol & diabetes which are all significant risks to health; investigation is only indicated if both partners wish to pursue treatment; most treatable causes can be identified by a clinical history, physical examination and routine blood tests; if there is no treatable cause, treatment with tablets is the first option for most men; other methods of treatment are only indicated if medication proves ineffective, causes side-effects or cannot be used because of specific medical conditions.