What are the Physical Causes of Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a tough condition for men to deal with and is characterized by the inability to achieve and maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity. ED can be caused by many things, both physical and psychological. Erectile dysfunction’s physical causes can be wide-ranging and often result in the penis failing to get adequate blood flow to achieve an erection.
Medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, heart conditions, and high blood pressure have all been shown to contribute to the development of erectile dysfunction. These conditions can damage blood vessels and nerves in the penis and make it more difficult for the penis to have proper erectile function.
Additionally, as men get older, their testosterone levels begin to decrease. Testosterone is the hormone most essential for male sexual health, and when these levels drop, a man may find it more difficult to get an erection or even get aroused for sexual intercourse.
Physical lifestyle factors such as alcohol use, drug use, and smoking may also be a cause of ED. All of these substances can play a role in reducing blood flow to the penis and may affect your hormone levels, including testosterone levels, making it more difficult to achieve and maintain an erection.
How Do You Know if ED is Physical or Psychological?
Figuring out whether your ED is caused by physical or psychological issues can be challenging and may require the expertise of a medical professional to determine for certain. However, there are ways to look for the signs of a physical cause of ED. Of course, if you have a medical condition known to contribute to ED, this may help inform you that your erectile dysfunction is caused by a physical condition.
Additionally, if you are getting older, your testosterone levels have most likely dropped, and this makes it harder to get an erection so age can also be a sign of a physical cause. This is not to say erectile dysfunction in young men does not occur, because it more common than many people think, and can be upsetting for young men to not be able to get an erection during physical intercourse.
Furthermore, if you drink alcohol, engage in drug use, or use tobacco, these can all contribute to ED. It may be helpful to reduce or quit the usage of these substances to see if your ED improves. The psychological impact of erectile dysfunction, however, should not be underestimated and dealing with erectile dysfunction in a new relationship can be stressful.
Even if you have a physical cause of ED, the anxiety and stress caused by the condition can make your ED worse. Psychological conditions such as stress, anxiety, and depression are known to contribute to ED so if you have any of these conditions, your ED may be psychological.
How Do You Cure Physical Erectile Dysfunction?
If you have erectile dysfunction caused by a physical condition, the good news is that there are many erectile dysfunction treatment options available. Commonly, oral medications such as Viagra and Cialis are prescribed as an ED treatment. These medications work by increasing the blood flow to the penis, making it easier to achieve and maintain an erection.
Additionally, there are other ways to treat the physical causes of erectile dysfunction including acoustic wave therapy and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Acoustic wave therapy works by applying acoustic waves to the penis which can help repair blood vessels and penile tissue and alleviate erectile dysfunction.
If you have low testosterone, TRT works to boost to testosterone level back to more normal levels where erectile function is greater. Natural remedies for erectile dysfunction may also be an option for treating ED such as a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
When Should One Seek Medical Help For Erectile Dysfunction?
If ED is causing issues with your sex life, it may be time to seek medical help. At Alpha Men’s Center, we know that each patient’s journey is different. We are men’s health specialists who are dedicated to providing the most effective and latest treatment for erectile dysfunction.
A one-size-fits-all approach does not work. You need a treatment plan that is designed for you, not the masses. If you are seeking ED treatment, book an appointment with Alpha Men’s Center today.