Is Your Lifestyle Causing Erectile Dysfunction? Uncovering the Common Causes

Key Takeaways:

  1. Leading a healthy lifestyle by engaging in regular physical activity, eating a balanced diet, quitting smoking and moderating alcohol consumption, and managing stress can help to prevent or mitigate the effects of ED.
  2. Sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, smoking, alcohol consumption and stress and anxiety can all contribute to erectile dysfunction.
  3. Seek medical advice if symptoms persist despite making lifestyle changes.

You may not think the decisions you make every day can have a significant impact on your sexual health, but the truth is, your choices matter. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition affecting millions of men, and while it’s commonly thought to be a problem limited to older generations, the fact is that ED affects men of all ages. What you might not know is that the primary ED causes can often be controlled through simple lifestyle changes. The purpose of this article is to delve into those common causes and provide recommendations to help you prevent or mitigate the effects of erectile dysfunction and live a healthier life.

Sedentary Lifestyle: Why Sitting May Be Your Worst Enemy

It’s no secret that many Americans lead largely sedentary lives. Hours spent sitting at desks, in front of screens, and commuting can all lead to reduced physical activity. For the average person, this lack of exercise can contribute to weight gain, heart disease, and diabetes. But for men, it can also lead to erectile dysfunction. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to decreased blood flow, a key factor in obtaining and maintaining an erection. To combat this, consider incorporating physical activity into your daily routine. Even something as simple as a walk around the block or taking the stairs instead of the elevator can make a difference.

Unhealthy Diet: How Food Plays a Role in Your Sexual Health

If you think the food on your plate doesn’t have any bearing on your ability to achieve an erection, think again. An unhealthy diet can contribute to erectile dysfunction in several ways, including clogging arteries and reducing blood flow to the penis. A diet high in saturated fats, sugars, and processed foods can exacerbate the problem. To maintain a healthy diet, focus on consuming whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, while also staying mindful of portion sizes and eating in moderation.

Smoking and Alcohol Consumption: The Double-Edged Sword

While a glass of wine or two might help you relax and get in the mood, excessive alcohol consumption can have the opposite effect. Similarly, smoking can decrease blood flow to the penis, making it difficult to achieve an erection. Both of these lifestyle habits have been linked to erectile dysfunction. The solution? If you smoke, consider quitting. As for alcohol, moderation is key. Limit your alcohol consumption and consider reserving those drinks for special occasions.

Stress and Anxiety: The Silent Killers

Stress and anxiety are an unavoidable part of modern life, but what you might not know is that they can contribute to erectile dysfunction. When you’re stressed or anxious, your body produces cortisol, a stress hormone that constricts blood vessels and can make it difficult to achieve an erection. To combat stress and anxiety, consider adopting stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and engaging in hobbies that bring you joy and relaxation.

In Conclusion: Take Control of Your Sexual Health

It’s clear that your lifestyle can play a significant role in contributing to erectile dysfunction. Leading a healthy lifestyle by engaging in regular physical activity, eating a balanced diet, quitting smoking and moderating alcohol consumption, and managing stress can all help to prevent or mitigate the effects of ED. However, if you find that your symptoms persist despite making these changes, it’s important to seek medical advice.

Located in St. Petersburg, FL, St Pete Urology is a urology practice committed to helping patients understand and address their sexual health concerns. If you’re struggling with ED, don’t hesitate to reach out to their team of experienced urologists for a personalized approach to finding the solution that’s right for you. Remember, taking control of your sexual health starts with understanding the ED causes and making the necessary lifestyle changes.

References:

What is the fastest way to cure erectile dysfunction

For a man, erectile dysfunction can be a serious issue. When sex stops, your relationship problems may begin or worsen.The occasional inability to have an erection that is firm enough for sexual intercourse is normal. However, when the problem persists for a while, it points to a deeper issue that should be addressed immediately. Without treatment, ED can make sexual intercourse impossible.

So what is the fastest way to cure erectile dysfunction?

1. Make lifestyle changes
If you have erectile dysfunction, you can get quick results by making a few lifestyle changes that ensure enhanced blood flow to the penis and help achieve harder erections.

For example, if you quit smoking, lose weight, or exercise regularly, you may see an improvement in your sexual function. You may also need to speak with your doctor if you suspect that a medication you are taking contributes to your ED. Your doctor may change or withdraw the medication.

2. Using oral medication
You can get quick results through oral medications such as Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, Staxyn, or Stendra. These pills boost blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal, making it possible to achieve an erection that is firm enough for satisfactory sexual intercourse.

These pills require a doctor’s prescription to guarantee safety and should not be taken more than once per day. They are taken 30-60 minutes before sexual activity. Cialis can be taken up to 36 hours before sexual activity and comes with a lower daily dose.

3. Injectable drugs
If you don’t like pills, injectable medications for ED can help you achieve a stronger erection. They are injected directly into the penis and work by widening the blood vessels, making the penis engorged with blood.

Alternatively, you can use a medicated pellet that you insert into your urethra to trigger an erection within a few minutes.

If you are considering injectable drugs as an option, please make sure to discuss the details with your urologist.

4. Vacuum devices
Also called pumps, vacuum devices provide an alternative to medication. To use the pumps, you place your penis inside a cylinder connected to the pump. The pump draws out air from the cylinder to create a partial vacuum around the penis. As a result, blood rushes into and fills your penis, causing an erection.

You will have an elastic band around the base of your penis to maintain the erection during intercourse. But if you are considering using a vacuum device, it is important to discuss its proper use with your urologist because the elastic band must be used correctly to avoid potential penile damage.

5. Penile implant surgery
If you have tried pills and other less invasive options without success, you may need to undergo penile implant surgery. This option is ideal if your penile blood vessels have been damaged by severe diabetes or during radical prostatectomy. You may also need to undergo penile implant surgery if you have structural problems that make erections difficult or impossible.

There are two basic types of penile implants: inflatable and non-inflatable. The non-inflatable (malleable) implant is a single rod that can be shaped by hand to create an erection. The inflatable implant has two rods filled with fluid from a reservoir located near the bladder.

When you desire an erection, you use the pump to fill the rods with pressurized fluid. As the rods fill, the penis becomes erect and broader. The prosthesis leaves the penis completely deflated when there is no fluid in the rods, making the penis implant unnoticeable.

Want to overcome erectile dysfunction fast?

At St Pete Urology, we offer various safe, effective treatments for erectile dysfunction, including medications, injections, vacuum devices, and penile implants.

We are proud of what we have been able to achieve for our patients. In most cases, our patients have the same level of sexual satisfaction and ability to ejaculate that they had before the erectile dysfunction.

If you have trouble with erections, speak with our skilled urologists and begin your journey to a life of renewed self-esteem, confidence, and optimum sexual function. For more information about effective treatments for erectile dysfunction, visit the St Pete Urology website.

5 Things You Need to Know About Men’s Sexual Health

5 Things You Need To Know About Men's Sexual Health Image

Sex is a critical part of life. It helps in the perpetuation of species and provides an amazing source of pleasure. It ensures intimacy between partners while making bonds stronger and unions enduring. It is also a wonderful form of exercise that releases stress, gets rid of anxiety, boosts prostate health and improves overall health.

What is sexual health?

It is the state of wellbeing that enables a man to engage in and derive pleasure from sexual activity. You are sexually healthy if you have sexual desire (libido), can get and sustain an erection, and can participate in satisfactory sexual intercourse. Sex is a hormone-driven activity that begins at puberty and lasts your entire life.

On average, couples have sex once a week. Each sexual encounter typically lasts 15-30 minutes, though the actual penetration time averages 2 minutes. If you are in a relationship, you may be having less sex than you want due to a lack of intimacy or time. But by working on communication and spending quality time together, you and your partner can improve your intimacy and have a more gratifying sex life.

What should you know about men’s sexual health?

Sexual health in men is affected by a number of physical, psychological, social and interpersonal factors. For example, physiological changes can impact both the desire and the ability to have sex, while emotional and mental factors can determine the satisfaction achieved during sexual intercourse.

As a man, the knowledge of the following male sexual health issues can enable you to achieve better sexual and overall health.

Aging and sexual health

With increasing age, changes are bound to occur in your sexual function, most of which are normal. But even in your 80’s, you should still be able to enjoy sex and intimacy in your relationship. Nevertheless, one frequent effect of aging on sexual health is loss of libido (sex drive)—often due to decreasing testosterone levels. Loss of libido means you have reduced interest in sexual activity or diminished sexual thoughts. You can also lose your libido because of stress, anxiety, relationship issues, side effects of medication or some medical conditions.

If you are experiencing a reduced drive for sex, look out for the symptoms so you can describe them correctly when you speak with your urologist. One way to deal with reduced sexual urge is to take more time in direct stimulation or foreplay. For changes that occur drastically or refuse to go away after sex therapy, work with your urologist to differentiate normal from abnormal changes and receive proper treatment.

As a rule, do not assume that every change that occurs in your sexual function is because you are growing older. After age 40, make sure you are aware of the following health indicators:

  • Cholesterol levels
  • Blood pressure
  • Blood sugar levels
  • Testosterone levels
  • PSA (Prostate-specific antigen) levels

Erectile dysfunction (Impotence)

Erectile dysfunction (ED) means you are not able to get and maintain an erection that is firm enough for satisfactory sexual intercourse. It is a common sexual health issue affecting up to 50% of men above the age of 40. You may experience erectile dysfunction because of blood flow problems such as vascular disease or blood pressure, which are quite common among aging men. But other factors such as certain medications, use of alcohol and drugs, smoking and surgeries involving prostate cancer may also cause impotence.

Fortunately, medications treat 50-70% of ED cases effectively. However, if your condition does not improve with medication, your urologist can apply various non-surgical techniques to promote blood flow. There are also surgical options such as penile prostheses or implants. Surgery is not advisable as initial treatment; but when done as a last resort it usually delivers satisfactory results.

In some cases, erectile dysfunction is not due to a detectable physiological problem. Your urologist will evaluate your condition in terms of emotional or mental well-being and may recommend you work with a sex therapist. Stress, anxiety, depression or other emotional or psychological problems can often be alleviated by therapist who encourages a comfortable, honest and confidential discussion of the problem.

Peyronie’s disease

Peyronie’s disease develops when scar tissue or plaque occurs inside the erectile tissue of the penis. Though the actual cause of scar tissue formation is unknown, many men have suffered the condition following a minor trauma that elicited bleeding inside the penis. The resulting plaque is usually benign and noncancerous, but it tends to cause the bending of the penis downward or upward depending on its location.

Men with Peyronie’s disease usually experience pain during an erection and find it difficult to have sex. If you have this problem, you need to see a urologist for a timely diagnosis and treatment. The condition is diagnosed using an ultrasound exam which gives a clear picture of the erectile anatomy and function. Most cases of the disease are mild and the initial pain disappears within 6-12 months, allowing patients to return to normal sexual activity. Urologists treat remaining plaques using personalized treatment plans.

Ejaculation disorders

Ejaculation issues in men include premature ejaculation, inhibited (delayed) ejaculation and retrograde ejaculation. When you have premature ejaculation it means you are not able to delay ejaculation until the point when it is mutually desirable for you and your sex partner. It is the most frequent ejaculation issue, particularly among younger men.

Inhibited ejaculation means your ejaculation occurs slowly or never happens at all. Both premature and inhibited ejaculations have psychological causes, such as anxiety about sex, performance or trauma. But there are techniques that can be used to overcome these issues and a qualified therapist can help you. Speak with your urologist for treatment and referral to a sex therapist when necessary.
Retrograde ejaculation means the ejaculate is forced back into your bladder instead of through the urethra and out of the end of the penis at orgasm. It can be due to nerve damage, side effects of medication or surgery for bladder or prostate.

When you experience retrograde ejaculation, your urologist will change your existing medications or prescribe new ones to treat the issue. However, if the problem is caused by surgery, it might not be correctable. But that should not worry you as treatment is not usually medically necessary with retrograde ejaculation unless pregnancy is your goal.

Vasectomy is permanent contraception

Vasectomy is a simple, effective and minimally invasive surgical procedure offered as a permanent method of birth control. The 30-minute procedure involves cutting tubes that transport sperm within the male reproductive system.

The procedure does not affect the sexual health of a man and is very effective in preventing pregnancy. While vasectomy can be undone, the reversal is quite complex and comes with a lower chance of success. The time to undergo a vasectomy is when you are sure you no longer need to make your partner pregnant, for whatever reason, and consider it as a permanent method of birth control.

At St Pete Urology, we offer timely help to men with sexual health issues. We believe that speaking about these issues with a skilled and experienced urologist will help you resolve them. We also remind our clients that any sexual health issue that lasts several months may be an indicator of a more serious underlying medical issue that needs to be treated.

For instance, premature ejaculation may be due to nerve damage, medication or underlying urinary conditions. Problems with libido or erection may be the first indicator of diabetes or hormonal imbalance; while problems with erection may be due to underlying prostate cancer or cardiovascular issues. Hence, seeing a urologist for your sexual health may help uncover a potentially life-threatening condition.

Of course, there is also a connection between your overall health and your sexual health. In fact, hormonal, cardiovascular, neurological and psychological systems all contribute to your sexual performance. A healthy lifestyle that includes a good diet, healthy weight and regular exercise will promote your overall health while enhancing your sexual health and performance. For more information on men’s sexual health issues, visit the St Pete Urology website.

What are the early signs of erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or keep an erection that is strong enough for satisfactory sexual intercourse. That means even if you have no problem getting an erection, you could still have early stage erectile dysfunction if you are not able to achieve sexual satisfaction.

Early signs of erectile dysfunction

Occasional or intermittent sexual problems do not necessarily indicate erectile dysfunction. But you could have ED if the following are persistent:

  • Reduced desire for sex
  • Inability to get an erection
  • Inability to maintain an erection
  • Softer erections
  • Lack of nighttime and early morning erections

Most men suffer from erectile problems at some point in their lives. When the symptoms are only occasional, it is not considered erectile dysfunction. But if they gradually and consistently gets worse, there is probably a physical cause—which is generally what happens in chronic erectile dysfunction. If the problem occurs suddenly, but the man can still have erections early in the morning and when masturbating, that suggests a mental cause, though something could be going on physically as well.

You should speak with a urologist about your sexual problems if:

Erectile dysfunction worries you enough to cause anxiety or threaten your relationship. The urologist will clear up the misinformation that could make your sexual problems worse and prescribe medication to help you through a rough patch.

  • It is painful to get an erection or you find it difficult because your penis is curved (a condition called Peyronie’s disease).
  • The problem is persistent and doesn’t go away. It could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition such as diabetes or coronary artery disease.
  • Since causes of erectile dysfunction vary, and you may need a multi-teatment approach, seeing a urologist gives you the best chance of recovering quickly from the condition. Your doctor will help you determine the cause of your symptoms and then recommend treatment which may include lifestyle modifications, counseling, prescription medications (Viagra, Cialis, Levitra or Stendra), testosterone replacement, Alprostadil self-injection, Alprostadil urethral suppository, penis pump or penile implants.

At St Pete Urology, we understand that erectile dysfunction is frustrating and can have a profound impact on relationships and self-esteem. We also recognize that few men want to speak about their inability to get or maintain an erection. Each of our urologists is skilled, knowledgeable and experienced in helping men with this condition. We have a friendly and compassionate patient-centered approach that makes consultations confidential and beneficial. For more information about the treatment of erectile dysfunction and other urological problems, visit the St Pete Urology website.

How to Prevent Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is a condition that prevents a man from getting or maintaining an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. The failure to sustain an erection may happen occasionally in healthy men and this should not be a reason to panic. One is said to have erectile dysfunction only when the inability to sustain an erection is sustained over a period of time. The risk of having erectile dysfunction increases with age, with about 50 percent of men over the age of 40 having the condition. Recent research also indicates an increase in the cases of erectile dysfunction in men in their 30s.Erectile dysfunction is treatable. Even so, it does inhibit a patient’s sexual performance, and in some cases, confidence. It comes as good news, therefore, that the condition is not only treatable, it is also preventable.

Preventing Erectile Dysfunction

The ways in which erectile dysfunction may be prevented fall into two categories:

1. Maintaining good overall health.

The sexual health of an individual is determined by his general health. If his overall health is failing, it will only be a matter of time before this starts to affect one’s sexual ability. One way of preventing erectile dysfunction therefore lies in maintaining good overall health. To this end, the following are recommended:

a. Maintain healthy body weight. A healthy balanced diet and regular exercise go a long way to keep body weight at a desired level. This protects you from obesity and other lifestyle diseases which might cause erectile dysfunction.

b. Avoid excessive use of alcohol, drugs and cigarettes. Taking these may, in the long run, lead to diseases of the heart or interfere with the functioning of blood vessels. Interfering with blood flow may reduce the amount of blood going into the penis, thus causing erectile dysfunction.

2. Managing Underlying chronic diseases

Erectile dysfunction often arises as a result of an underlying illness. For example, obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular illnesses have a tendency of interfering with the flow of blood to the penis. In addition to these, mental issues such as depression or crippling anxiety may cause erectile dysfunction. In such cases, the key to dealing with erectile dysfunction is in fighting the underlying illness. A patient with one of these conditions will be advised to, among other things:

a. Take medication as advised by the attending doctor;

b. Consult with the doctor to see if treatment for erectile dysfunction may be administered independently without affecting the treatment of the underlying illness; and

c. Seek therapy and treatment for mental health conditions.

Erectile dysfunction can be prevented by simply choosing to live a healthy lifestyle. For those already suffering from erectile dysfunction, there is no need to panic as the condition is very treatable. Our team of specialists at St. Pete Urology can help with any questions, consultation, diagnosis and treatment options for erectile dysfunction. For more information, visit the St Pete Urology website.

Treating Erectile Dysfunction with Inflatable Penile Prosthesis

Prescription medications are typically the first treatment offered for men with erectile dysfunction. But for those who don’t respond well or are unable to be treated with these pills, a penile implant is a useful alternative. The penile implant (also called penile prosthesis) is a medical device that is placed surgically into the penis to generate a natural-feeling and natural-looking erection.

Simple, outpatient procedure

The operation to place a penile prosthesis is a quick and simple procedure that takes about 1 hour to complete. The device is inserted into the penis and custom-fitted to help with erection. After it is placed, a man can go home the same day and is ready to enjoy sex after a 4-6 week recovery period.

What is a penile prosthesis?

An inflatable penile implant is a self-contained, fluid-filled, supple and durable system designed to mimic both the look and performance of the penis during a natural erection. It has three components: a reservoir that is placed in the abdomen, two cylinders inserted in the penis and a pump located in the scrotum. The two cylinders situated in the penis are connected to the saline reservoir using a tubing. Because of the three components, the penile prosthesis is known as the three-piece inflatable penile implant.

How does the penile implant work?

To inflate the penile prosthesis, a man presses the pump to transfer the saline from the reservoir into the cylinders located in the penis. The cylinders are then inflated and the penis becomes erect. When the deflation valve found at the base of the pump is pressed, the fluid moves back to the reservoir, deflating the penis and making it flaccid. So the penile implant is capable of producing erections that are satisfactory for sexual intercourse.

Why should men with ED consider penile implants?

Once placed surgically by a urologist, an inflatable penile prosthesis helps a man to regain control of his body. Unlike other ED treatment options which require a slightly longer waiting period before use, the implant can be used at any time. Penile implants are an ideal option for men whose ED has not been resolved by other treatment options. It is a cost-effective option that achieves 98 percent satisfaction rate with patients and is not noticeable in a flaccid penis. In fact, even your sex partners will not know that you have the implant unless you inform them.

If you are looking for something to make you a confident, self-assured man again, a penile prosthesis may be just what you need. It effectively mimics the look and performance of a natural penis and will enable you to begin enjoying sex as soon as you are recovered from the surgery. Unlike remembering to take your medication every time you want to have sex, a penile prosthesis offers a more permanent and natural solution. For more information on treatment of erectile dysfunction, visit the “St Pete Urology” site.

What treatments are available for erectile dysfunction?

Are you struggling to achieve or maintain an erection? Whether you are under 35 or over 65, you are certainly not alone. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is quite common in American men, affecting more than 20 million men. Statistically, 52 percent of men between 40 and 70 years old have some form of erectile dysfunction while 25 percent of men younger than 40 suffer from the problem on a regular basis. At St Pete Urology, we see a lot of cases of erectile dysfunction every month, administer treatments and achieve excellent results for our patients.

Types of ED treatments

There are a number of safe and effective treatments for erectile dysfunction which, when properly applied, help in achieving and maintaining an erection for satisfactory sexual intercourse. The main treatments include oral medications, penile injections, vacuum erection devices and surgery. The choice of treatment depends on factors such as underlying causes and severity of the dysfunction, and overall health and preferences of the patient.

Oral medications

Dr. Adam Oppenheim of Advanced Urology InstituteAt St Pete Urology, oral medications are typically our first line of treatment. The medications commonly given are vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn), sildenafil (Viagra), avanafil (Stendra) and tadalafil (Cialis). All these medications work by improving the action and efficacy of nitric oxide, which is a natural chemical produced by the body and used to relax penile muscles. With increased activity of nitric oxide due to these drugs, there is increased relaxation of the smooth muscles, improved blood flow to and in the penis and greater likelihood of developing an erection when there is sexual stimulation.

Though the oral ED drugs are similar in their mechanism of action, they vary slightly in chemical makeup, timing of dosage and expected period of effectiveness, and potential side effects. For instance, sildenafil (Viagra) produces the best effect when taken without food about one hour before sex and its effect lasts six hours. Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn) can be taken with or without food one hour before sex and its effect lasts seven hours. Like vardenafil, avanafil (Stendra) can be taken with or without food, but 15-30 minutes before sex (depending on the dose) and its effects lasts six hours. Tadalafil (Cialis) should be taken in small daily doses or in a large dose (as needed) with or without food about 1-2 hours before sex and its effect lasts 36 hours. Doctors usually consider these differences before prescribing oral ED medications.

Penile injections

An effective alternative to oral medications is injectable ED medicine. The specific injectable medication may vary, but some of the most commonly used ones are papaverine hydrochloride, alprostadil, prostaglandin E-1 and phentolamine. An injection of one or a blend of these ingredients will relax arterial wall muscles, cause increased blood flow into the penis and result in an erection. A small, sharp needle is used for the injection and there is only minimal discomfort. At St Pete Urology, we teach patients how to do the injections and once they have mastered it, then drugs are ordered and sent to them to do the injections at home.

Vacuum constriction devices

A vacuum device is an external pump supplied with a band to help trigger an erection by driving blood into the penis. Vacuum constriction devices (VCDs) have three components: the plastic tube placed around the penis, the pump that draws out air from the tube and creates a vacuum, and the elastic ring that helps to maintain an erection during intercourse by preventing the flow of blood back into the body. The elastic ring should only remain in place for a maximum of 30 minutes and then should be removed to restore normal blood circulation and prevent potential skin irritation. Using a vacuum pump requires adjustment and practice — it may make the penis feel numb or cold, purple in color and bruised, although such effects are often painless and go away in a few days. The devices also may weaken ejaculation, but they do not affect orgasm (pleasure of climax).

Implant surgery

Surgery is often a last resort treatment for ED. At St Pete Urology, we speak with our patients about whether or not surgery is right for them. Surgery can be done either to implant a device into the penis that makes it erect or rebuild the arteries and veins around the penis to improve blood flow. Implanted devices (prostheses) are an effective treatment for ED with implant surgeries typically taking about one hour to complete and usually done in outpatient setting.

There are two types of penile implants: inflatable implants that make the penis wider and longer via a pump in the scrotum and malleable implants that are basically rods allowing for manual adjustment of the position of the penis. Patients leave the hospital the day after their implant surgery and are able to use the implant to achieve an erection 4-6 weeks after surgery. Possible challenges with the implants include infection and breakage, but they are generally effective in getting and maintaining an erection.

Vascular reconstructive surgery

Another option is the urologist can perform a vascular or arterial reconstruction surgery to improve blood flow to and in the penis. Vascular reconstructive surgery is a highly delicate procedure involving either the re-routing of arterial pathways leading to the penis to bypass blocked arteries that are restricting blood flow, or to unblock blood vessels causing an obstruction. An artery can be bypassed by moving an abdominal muscle artery to a penile artery. Alternatively, a penile vein can be modified to work like an artery.

Men who are younger than 45 are the ideal candidates for reconstructive surgery, especially those who have experienced trauma or injury that resulted in the damage to blood vessels at the base of the penis. The goal of the procedure is to remove or bypass any blockages that may impede blood flow to the penis. And with the obstruction removed, there is increased blood flow to the penis and greater likelihood of an erection.

If you have erectile dysfunction, the first step is to speak with a doctor. The right treatment for you will depend on your overall health and the underlying cause of your ED. At St Pete Urology, we see a lot of cases of erectile dysfunction and endeavor to achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients. For more information on treatment of erectile dysfunction, visit the “St Pete Urology” site.

3 Main Causes of Erectile Dysfunction and Treatment Options

Erectile dysfunction (ED) occurs when a man is incapable of having an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. While occasional inability to have an erection is considered normal, frequent or prolonged difficulty to get or keep an erection, along with reduced sexual desire, is classified as erectile dysfunction. The condition often leads to an unsatisfactory sex life and may result in other problems such as low self-esteem, embarrassment, anxiety, depression and relationship problems.

Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is caused by physiological (physical) factors, psychological (mental) factors, or a combination of both. Generally, psychological problems are more likely to cause ED in younger men while physical problems are often the cause in older men.

The major psychological causes of ED are:

1. Depression

2. Stress at work or home

3. Worries about sexual performance with a new sexual partner or new situation

4. Unresolved relationship conflicts

5. Fatigue

6. Temporary issues such as loss of a job, studying for exams or financial concerns

7. Deep-rooted negative attitudes about sex, intimacy, or strict religious beliefs

8. History of sexual abuse

For a man to have a normal functioning erection, it helps to have self-confidence and arousing behavior or thoughts while being free of anxiety. If at least one of these conditions is chronically absent, a man’s inability to perform sexually can become a lasting issue.

The major physiological causes of ED are:

1. Diseases such as diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, multiple sclerosis, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, chronic alcoholism, neurological disease, and vascular disease.

2. Drugs for treating hypertension (high blood pressure), depression, anxiety and psychosis, and regular consumption of alcohol, marijuana, cigarettes and other recreational drugs.

3. Injuries such as spinal cord injury and nervous system injury (like pinched nerves due to slipped vertebral discs).

4. Atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries due to a buildup of fat/cholesterol deposits inside arterial walls).

5. Hormonal imbalances such as low testosterone levels or due to diseases of the pituitary, adrenal or thyroid gland.

6. Cigarette smoking.

The main risk factors for erectile dysfunction are:

1. Age over 50

2. Lack of exercise

3. Diabetes (high blood sugar)

4. High cholesterol

5. High blood pressure

6. Smoking

7. Obesity

8. Cardiovascular disease

9. Drug and alcohol abuse

10. Cancer radiation therapy

11. Prostate surgery

12. Medicines such as antihistamines, antidepressants and blood pressure drugs.

Men spending a lot of time bicycling are also at risk of ED because bicycle seats can damage the nerves and blood vessels involved in erections.

Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction

The treatment for erectile dysfunction depends on the cause. Often, the urologist will suggest a change of certain habits or recommend that you stop smoking, using drugs or stop alcohol use. The urologist may also recommend treatments for emotional problems, depression, performance anxiety or relationship conflicts.

The most common treatments for ED are:

1. Oral medications (erection pills) such as Cialis (tadalafil), Levitra (vardenafil), Stendra (avanafil) and Viagra (sildenafil).

2. Counseling and psychotherapy if your ED is related to psychological problems.

3. Injection of drugs in the penis: If oral medications fail, the urologist may recommend the injection of Caverject (alprostadil) in the penis. Suppositories of the same drug may also be placed in the urethra as an alternative to injection.

4. Vacuum erection devices: These devices create a low-pressure vacuum around erectile tissue, resulting in erection.

5. Testosterone replacement therapy may be recommended for a man with below-normal testosterone hormone.

6. Surgery: Surgery is usually recommended by a urologist when other treatments fail to improve the ED. The operation is performed to either fix blood vessel issues or for penile implants (like inserting penile prostheses, bendable implants or inflatable implants).

7. Penile arterial revascularization: A surgery for men under 45 years of age who have pelvic or penile injuries, helping to fix blocked or injured blood vessels in the penis.

8. Venous ligation surgery: Aimed at improving the firmness of the penis, this surgery corrects leaky penile vessels that cause softening of the penis during an erection. This technique is rarely used for correcting ED due to its low success rate of around 5%.

Are you having difficulties with sexual performance? Talking with an experienced urologist at St Pete Urology might help you solve the problem. For more information on dealing with erectile dysfunction, visit the website of St Pete Urology in St Petersburg, Florida.

Are certain foods helpful in addressing erectile dysfunction (ED)?

It’s possible. Research published in January 2016 found that men who ate foods high in antioxidants called flavonoids had a lower risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) than those who didn’t eat a flavonoid-rich diet.

Flavonoids can be found in certain plant-based foods like citrus fruits, blueberries, strawberries, apples, pears, cherries, blackberries, radishes, and blackcurrant. Some teas, herbs, and wines also have flavonoids in them.

Past studies have shown that consuming flavonoids could reduce a person’s risk for diabetes and heart disease, both of which can lead to ED.

Eating a healthy diet overall, particularly a Mediterranean diet, can go a long way in preserving erectile function, however.

This type of diet includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and olive oil. Nuts and fish are good additions.

What does diet have to do with erections?

When a man is sexually-aroused, his penis fills with blood, giving it the firmness it needs for sex. Many men with ED have poor blood flow to the penis. Some medical conditions, like diabetes and heart disease, can damage blood vessels and nerves that are critical for this process.

Eating a healthy diet keeps the body in good working order. It can help men maintain a healthy weight, keep their blood sugar under control, and reduce the risk of blood vessel damage, which can impair blood flow.

Diet isn’t the only path to good erections, however. Other lifestyle habits, like regular exercise, quitting smoking, and managing depression are important too.

A man’s doctor can help him decide which dietary changes to make. However, men who are having trouble with erections should be sure to mention it. Many factors can contribute to ED and it’s best to have a complete medical checkup. [Read Full Article…]