Erectile Dysfunction: Let’s Talk About It!

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a problem that many men feel too embarrassed to speak about with their GP. But it is very common, affecting most men at some point in their lives and at any one time an estimated 1 in 10 men are experiencing persistent ED1.
ED can sometimes be a sign of underlying physical health problems such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In most cases of ED (8 out of 10) there is an underlying physical cause2. For this reason, it is important that you do not ignore the problem but instead take it as an opportunity to speak with your GP about your overall health. If you cannot achieve an erection in any circumstance (including absence of early morning erections) then it is likely that there is a physical cause underlying your ED.
There can also be psychological causes for ED such as relationship problems, stress, anxiety, and depression. Medication prescribed for mental health conditions can also cause ED. If you can achieve an erection in certain circumstances (e.g., early morning erections or when masturbating) but not in others then there is likely to be a psychological component to the ED.
Lifestyle factors that can increase the risk of ED include:
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Recreational drug use
- Smoking
- Diet high in saturated fat and processed sugar
Making lifestyle changes can improve your ability to maintain an erection and it is always worth addressing these factors in addition to any medical treatment that you might try.
Sex therapy or relationship counselling can be helpful in cases where there is likely to be a psychological component to the ED.
Available medical treatments for ED:
- Viagra or other PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) inhibitors are the most commonly used treatment for ED. These can help you to get an erection by increasing the blood flow to the penis temporarily. You can speak with your GP about whether this type of medication might be suitable for you. Viagra Connect can be bought in a pharmacy without the need for a prescription, you will need to answer some questions about your suitability to take the medicine. It is possible to request medication for ED online from a number of high street pharmacies.
- Less commonly used treatments for ED include vacuum pumps and injection treatment.
- Treating the underlying cause – so for some this could include testosterone replacement or changing medications that may be causing it.
Conclusion:
ED is a common problem that can usually be successfully treated. Having a conversation with your GP about ED is the best way to identify a treatment that is suitable for you and arrange investigation for any underlying health issues. Many men with ED will have underlying cardiovascular disease. They may not have had any other symptoms of cardiovascular disease and it can therefore be an important early warning symptom that leads to identification and appropriate treatment of this problem thereby preventing the development of serious complications such as heart attacks and strokes.
References
- Men’s Health Forum https://www.menshealthforum.org.uk/erectile-dysfunction-faqs
- Patient UK article on Erectile Dysfunction https://patient.info/mens-health/erectile-dysfunction-impotence
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