Erectile dysfunction (ED) has been a worrying concern for men since the beginning of recorded history. In ancient Egyptian tombs, you can see it inscribed on the walls, and even written in the Bible. Our ancestors, however, did not have the internet to learn the symptoms of erectile dysfunction and how to treat it.
Today, treatment starts with recognizing the causes of ED and developing a suitable plan with a medical professional to treat the condition. In that regard, here are 3 commonly-known symptoms of ED, and how to treat them effectively. Erection, stand up!
The 3 Most Common Erectile Dysfunction Symptoms
To put it simply, ED does not solely refer to the inability to achieve an erection. Instead, it is the inability to achieve and maintain an erection for long enough to have sexual intercourse. Keyword – long. Isn’t that ironic?
3 common symptoms of erectile dysfunction are:
- Difficulty achieving an erection
- Softer erections
- A struggle to maintain an erection
ED affects not just your sexual performance, but also your sexual desire. This could be due to the frustration and disappointment you may experience towards the condition. If left untreated, this could lead to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety, which will only worsen your ED. Additionally, it is important to communicate your emotions and concerns properly to prevent any potential relationship problems.
Erectile Dysfunction and Your Partner
One symptom of erectile dysfunction is when the strength of your erection is not how it once was. Another symptom is when that same erection has affected the pleasure obtained by both you and your partner.
Unfortunately, your partner is more likely to notice the change in pleasure instead of yourself. Some call it denial, while others call it a lack of observation. Regardless, a man’s partner usually notices these changes, especially when it comes to the width and angle of his erection. Hence, don’t take it personally if your partner is telling you about these changes! In fact, it is always good to treat it early!
Erectile Dysfunction as a Symptom
Weaker and less frequent erections is a natural change that occurs as a result of the ageing process. That being said, it is important to note that the symptoms of ED may also vary depending on the state of your health, sexual activity and lifestyle habits.
If your mind no longer has as much desire for sex, do not be alarmed. Stress, financial woes, routine disruptions, illnesses, and even relationship problems contribute to a lack of sexual desire and an inability to achieve an erection.
In fact, these concerns may be more than just ED. They may be symptoms of a more severe underlying issue. Here’s why. From a technical perspective, erections have to do with blood flow more than anything else. This is because the blood vessels in the penis are relatively small compared to those in other parts of the body, such as the heart. As such, ED could be an early sign that your coronary arteries are blocked. If that is the case, you may subsequently be faced with debilitating cardiac arrest symptoms.
Alternatively, hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, low testosterone levels and high cholesterol can also be risk factors for ED. Please do not think that these health problems may come to pass easily, especially if your symptoms start to worsen over time.
Suitable Treatment Options for Erectile Dysfunction
There are a number of different oral medications available for treating ED. Viagra, Cialis and Levitra are popular over-the-counter drugs. You can also opt to adopt a healthier lifestyle, which has also been shown to be effective in treating ED and improving erections. Simple lifestyle changes, which include exercising more regularly, consuming a more healthy diet, quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption can all help to treat the condition.
Prior to starting treatment, it is advisable for you to first speak to a medical professional regarding ED. They can help to develop a suitable treatment plan for you while also identifying any underlying health problems before they become more serious.
