Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be triggered by a mélange of different physical and psychological factors such as underlying health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease; relationship or emotional problems; some medications like blood pressure drugs and antidepressants; and smoking, drugs, and alcohol abuse. Medical treatment for ED normally involve taking medication or undergoing surgical procedures, but there is also a variety of non-invasive, lifestyle changes that ease ED. In fact, a study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine in 2014 by Australian researchers, found that some men can reverse ED through lifestyle changes. The study also revealed that, even if medication is needed to treat erectile dysfunction, the treatment regimen is likely to be more effective if the man adopts the following lifestyle changes. Eat right The food that you eat has a direct impact on erectile dysfunction since any diet that is bad for your heart is also bad news for your ability to have erections. Research has shown that eating patterns that can lead to heart attacks due to restricted blood flow in the coronary arteries, can also interfere with blood flow to and within a man’s penis. Bear in mind that proper blood flow is required for your penis to become erect.  Diets that include plenty of whole grains, fiber, fresh fruits, vegetables and heart-healthy fats like fish, and that limit processed grains and red meat, decrease the risk for erectile dysfunction.

There are a number of treatment options that exist for the management of erectile dysfunction. These are enumerated below: Lifestyle changes Amongst the most commonly advocated measures, a large body of evidence exists highlighting the efficacy of lifestyle and behavioral modification on the course of problems like erectile dysfunction. Some of the changes that should be incorporated in an individual’s’ life include regular exercise, weight loss, cessation of smoking, drug and alcohol abuse, as well as maintaining good control of one’s blood pressure and blood glucose levels. Some patients report an increased efficacy of oral medications in treating erectile dysfunction when treatment includes such lifestyle modifications. Adjusting and/or changing your medications A number of medications used to treat hypertension, increased cholesterol levels and depression may be responsible for aggravating erectile dysfunction in affected patients. For example, certain beta blockers and diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide may contribute to the disease. Some medicines such as angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) may be beneficial for such individuals. It may thus help patients with erectile dysfunction to adjust their long-term medications, albeit with the consultation of a professional medical provider. Oral drugs The commonly used oral medications used to treat erectile dysfunction belong to the class of phosphodiester type 5 (PDE 5) inhibitors.

Physical examination A physical examination may be performed to look for clues to the etiology of erectile dysfunction. The examination will center on proper evaluation of the genital system. Any abnormal curvature of the penis or any other penile abnormalities will be checked for. The tests will be evaluated for size and location. Hormonal issues such as hypogonadism leading to low testosterone levels may manifest as lack of facial hair, a small size of the testicles and abnormal increase in breast size (gynecomastia). Atherosclerosis may be checked by feeling the hardness of the arteries in the groin region.  Blood tests The blood tests to be done in a patient of erectile dysfunction will vary from a case to case basis. The common investigations that your doctor may ask for include the following: A complete blood count is done routinely in such patients. Blood glucose levels are checked for the presence of diabetes mellitus. Complications of diabetes such as nerve damage, kidney injury and retinal disease are also checked for in long-standing patients with diabetes.   Increasingly, the glycosylated hemoglobin levels, or HbA1C levels, are used to diagnose and monitor long-term glucose control. A lipid profile may be asked for to look at LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) levels.

People suffering from erectile dysfunction may present in a variety of ways: The individual is unable to achieve an erection at all. An erection occurs, but it doesn’t last very long. An erection occurs, but the penis is not hard enough for penetration. Affected males can still achieve ejaculation and orgasm while suffering from erectile dysfunction. It is important that you talk with your medical doctor if you are suffering from any of the above-mentioned symptoms. Please be candid and forthright in mentioning your symptoms, the onset and duration of illness, any other medical illnesses you’re suffering from plus any other information that might seem relevant. The medical professional you’re visiting may ask you several questions pertaining to your illness. It is imperative to be prepared for these questions and answer them with full honesty and openness to your doctor. Some of the questions that you may be asked are: Are you suffering from erectile dysfunction or any other male sexual disorder such as premature ejaculation, loss of libido, Peyronie’s disease etc.? Is your erectile dysfunction linked to psychological factors such as stress or anxiety? Or are there any physical causes for this disorder in your case? A useful clue in such a scenario is to check for the involuntary penile erections that occur early morning with REM sleep.

Incidence of Erectile Dysfunction Half the male population above the age of 40 years is known to suffer from erectile dysfunction. However, the severity of the disorder varies from individual to individual. Some fail to have an erection, whereas others cannot get a hard erection, whilst others may be unable to maintain this hard erection for a sustained period of time.  The incidence is also known to increase with age, with the occurrence of complete erectile dysfunction increasing from 5% at 40 years of age, to 15% above the age of 70. To understand this condition better, it is imperative to examine its causes first. Causes of Erectile Dysfunction There are a large number of causes for the development of erectile dysfunction in men. A multitude of factors may be simultaneously present in a significant number of people. Some of the major causes for the occurrence of erectile dysfunction are as follows: Old age With the advancement of age, structural changes occur in the muscles and tissues contained within the penis, and this may contribute to the inability to achieve or maintain an erection. Elderly people are also more prone to suffering from systemic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, stroke etc.