Just the mention of erectile dysfunction, a lot of men shudder and wish they won’t be unlucky enough to have it. Some younger men dismiss it, thinking that they are young and virile. But the harsh truth is, it is not a respecter of men — literally and figuratively speaking.
Men who have the condition suffer insecurity and low self-esteem. After all, it’s not common to talk about social dysfunction. Besides, it is even more embarrassing for someone who is in the prime of their life to have it.
So how common is erectile dysfunction among men?
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, around 30 million American men from different age groups have some degree of erectile dysfunction.
There are several risk factors for ED, ranging from conditions and diseases that affect the nerve function and blood flow to unhealthy lifestyles and illegal drug use.
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Some of the common risk factors of erectile dysfunction are:
- Obesity
- Using some types of medication
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Anxiety and depression
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Hormonal imbalance
- Unhealthy diet
- Smoking
- Sedentary lifestyle or lack of physical activity
- Cancer
- Age
Defining Erectile Dysfunction
Before we delve deeper, let’s define what erectile dysfunction is. That’s because there are some conditions that might look like they are ED but they are not.
In a nutshell, erectile dysfunction is a condition that makes it difficult for a man to get an erection that is firm enough to have sex in some cases, it manifests as a difficulty maintaining an erection. This condition can be short-term or long-term.
Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
Erections are all about healthy blood flow. When you become sexually aroused, blood flows into the corpora cavernosa, an air of soft tissues that run along the length of your penis. When blood flows, the penis becomes erect and firm.
The primary cause of erectile dysfunction is poor blood flow to the tissues in the penis. When blood cannot flow well into the penis, the penile tissue that is responsible for the erections cannot store the blood coming in. Thus, the penis will also have a hard time staying erect.
This condition does not only happen among older men. Age does play a major role in increasing your risk of developing erectile dysfunction, but not everyone in their 60s – 80s have ED. In fact, there are middle-aged men who are suffering from erectile dysfunction.
A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine revealed that one out of four men who have been newly diagnosed with ED are in their 40s or younger.
Another study published in the Cleveland Clinic Center for Continuing Education said that 40 percent of men in their 40s are affected by erectile dysfunction while 70 percent are in their 70s.
The figures clearly show that erectile dysfunction can happen to any man no matter what age they are.
Erectile Dysfunction Risk Factors
Although erectile dysfunction is becoming more common, a lot of men are not aware of the risks that contribute to it. Knowledge is very important because awareness can prevent or reverse the condition.
Taking the time to educate yourself about the factors, habits, and conditions that lead to erectile dysfunction can help you make lifestyle changes that can prevent ED. If you are already experiencing symptoms, you can reverse its effect without taking any medications.
Here are the most common ED risk factors:
Obesity
Obesity opens you up to a lot of health issues that include erectile dysfunction. A study published in the Library of National Medicine showed that 80 percent of men suffering from erectile dysfunction have a body mass index that is 25 percent more than the usual weight.
The study furthermore revealed that those who are overweight are 1.5 times more likely to develop erectile dysfunction.
This does not suggest that you have a six-pack abdomen. But if you are overweight, losing some weight and bringing it down to normal will definitely affect your health in a significant way.
Taking Certain Medications
Some prescription medicines have side effects that can affect your erection. Some of these include antihistamines, medications for high blood pressure, antidepressants, and chemotherapy medicine.
These types of medications lower the testosterone and antiandrogen levels in the body. A lower level count of these hormones can lead to ED.
Hormonal Imbalance
Different types of hormones are involved in our sexual functions. When certain hormones are not in sync with other hormones, it will wreak havoc in the body. It might even start to affect your sexual desires, including maintaining or achieving an erection.
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Unhealthy Diet
Diet plays a significant role in your sexual health. A study on the effect of food in developing erectile dysfunction. Too much salt, sugar, or calories can greatly impact your sexual health.
Drug and Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol can cause the short-term ED condition called whiskey dick, where a man cannot get or maintain an erection. Although it’s temporary, alcohol or drug use can have a lasting effect on your sexual health. Studies have shown that alcohol and some recreational drugs can cause erectile dysfunction.
Psychological Condition
Men who are suffering from depression, anxiety, and other psychological problems are at higher risk of developing erectile dysfunction. The same goes if you have low self-esteem and high levels of stress. These conditions can affect your sexual performance and even lead to ED.
In Conclusion
These are just some of the common health conditions that could put you at risk of erectile dysfunction. If you are at risk of ED, consult your doctor and make the necessary lifestyle changes to prevent or reverse the effects of ED in your life.
