According to statistics, there are around 30 million men who are suffering from erectile dysfunction or ED.
Just like other sexual conditions, ED has different levels of severity. Some men might have difficulty getting an erection, while others cannot sustain theirs — not long enough to become satisfied.
Erectile dysfunction can afflict any man no matter how old they are. However, it occurs most commonly among middle-aged and older men.
A Few Facts about Erectile Dysfunction
As mentioned above, ED can happen to any man. However, it is more common among older men. And the older you get, the higher the risk. But if you think it’s just about age, you’re wrong.
People who have the following medical conditions are prone to ED as well. Those who have:
- Diabetes
- High-blood issues
- Atherosclerosis
- Several chronic diseases
On the other hand, a healthy lifestyle can lessen your risk of ED.
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But no matter how old you are, there are a number of effective medical treatments available so you can get and maintain an erection
Erectile Dysfunction Defined
Erectile Dysfunction is a condition that affects sexual performance. A person suffering from ED might find it difficult or impossible to get an erection — even when he is sexually aroused.
It comes in many forms, depending on its severity. Here are the many “faces” of what ED looks like:
- You can’t get an erection
- Difficulty maintaining an erection, even when sexually aroused.
- Can get an erection but not consistently
Like many other sexual performance conditions, erectile dysfunction can come and go. In other words, you might not experience any difficulty getting an erection in some days, while you might struggle with it at other times.
Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is caused by many different factors. Some of this has something to do with aging. It is also a result of other medical conditions or diseases like:
- High blood pressure
- Atherosclerosis
- Heart disease
- Blood vessel disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Type 2 diabetes
In some cases, erectile dysfunction can also happen as a result of medication, psychological, or behavioral issues. For example, medications that are used to treat depression or high blood pressure could increase the risks of ED.
There are also unhealthy habits like obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol drinking, and lack of physical activity, which all contribute to erectile dysfunction.
On the other hand, psychological issues that can make erectile dysfunction worse are stress, low self-esteem, depression, and sexual performance anxiety.
Aging and Erectile Dysfunction
According to the Massachusetts Male Aging Study, 52 percent of men who have erectile dysfunction belong to the 40 -70 age group. Moreover, ED is three times present among men aged 70 years old.
Other research had similar results. For example, research published in the National Library of Medicine showed that men who are in their 40s are 40 percent more likely to develop erectile dysfunction. And that risk increases by 10 percent with each additional decade.
Another study published in the American Journal of Medicine showed that 5.1 percent of men between the ages of 20 and 30 are suffering from erectile dysfunction, compared to the 70.2 percent of men in their 70s.
Aside from ED, age is also associated with other health issues that can cause erectile dysfunction.
For example, the risk of getting high blood pressure increases as you age. The same goes with diabetes, which is twice as common in people who are around 45 years and older.
Treating Erectile Dysfunction
If you are suffering from erectile dysfunction, there is still hope. With medication, lifestyle changes, or both. By having a healthy lifestyle and taking the right medication, it will be easier to stay on top of your game even when you get older.
If you are experiencing mild ED, making a few lifestyle changes can improve your condition even without any medication:
- Regular exercise. It does not necessarily mean training hard like an athlete. But it means adopting an active lifestyle to improve blood flow. One of the main causes of ED is poor blood flow into the penis. Doing 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise and two times of resistance training every week can make a big difference.
- Healthy weight. Obesity is the main culprit in a lot of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Consequently, those with diabetes and heart disease are more likely to develop ED. So if you’re overweight, losing weight is a good idea.
- No smoking. Smoking increases your risk of getting cardiovascular disease. And you know that heart disease is closely related to ED.
- Regulate alcohol intake. Drinking alcohol from time to time is okay. But excessive alcohol intake opens you up to various health risks as well as erectile dysfunction.
- Seek treatment. ED is associated with underlying health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure. Have regular checkups so you can address these conditions before they develop into a major health issue. Plus, you can prevent ED from afflicting you.
- Seek therapy. Psychological issues can also cause ED so seek the help of a therapist to improve your mental and physical condition.
- Check your medication. If you’re on medication and you have developed ED, the medicine could be the cause. See your doctor, and check if you need to change your medication.
Getting ED medication has never been easier
Connect with a US-licensed healthcare provider for a FREE evaluation!
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Medications for ED Treatment
Aside from lifestyle changes, there are also medications to treat ED. Here is a list of FDA-approved ED medications:
- Avanafil — brand name Stendra, a new ED medication that has very few side effects
- Sildenafil — is known as Viagra’s active ingredient. Its effect lasts up to 4 hours and then it starts to dwindle.
- Vardenafil — its effect lasts longer than Sildenafil.
- Tadalafil — has a long-lasting effect than the other medications on the list. Its effect can last up to two days.
Conclusion
Having erectile dysfunction can take a toll on you physically, emotionally, and mentally. With the right treatment and some lifestyle changes, you can improve over time.
