The Heads Up On Erectile Dysfunction (2016) — When it comes to relationships, there are many topics one could write on but perhaps none is quite as touchy as the subject of male erectile dysfunction. For many males over the age of 40, and for more than half of all men over the age of 50, erectile dysfunction becomes a real issue for wide variety of reasons, beginning with psychological reasons.
Sexual dysfunction doesn’t just touch the lives of men. This is a real issue for both men and women. Based on studies, sexual dysfunctions are highly prevalent in both sexes, ranging from 10% to 52% of men and 25% to 63% of women. Sexual dysfunctions are defined by, and characterized by disturbances in sexual desire and in the psycho/physiological changes associated with the sexual performance in men and women.
Erectile Dysfunction — The Great Re-awakening
Erectile Dysfunction Causes – Psychological
As suggested earlier in this article, there are two main underlying core areas where the root causes of erectile dysfunction exist – psychological and physiological.
There are many men who worry over the concern that they might struggle with ED due to a medical reason, but if a man wakes in the morning with a full or partial erection (as most healthy men without ED do) but experiences erectile dysfunction during sexual relations with a partner, then most likely the issue is not medical in nature.
Erectile dysfunction causes must all be clearly identified to arrive at a place of understanding the reasons for erectile dysfunction in a person and finding the best solutions for both them and their partner.
The top psychological reasons for erectile dysfunction in men, listed in order of occurrence:
- Not feeling secure in a relationship. As men reach a mature age, there is a close correlation between sexual performance and the strength or health of a long-term relationship.
- Anxiety. When a man experiences one instance of erectile dysfunction it immediately sets off an episode of “performance anxiety” which can result in further episodes of erectile dysfunction.
- Stress. The greater a man’s everyday life stressors, the greater his chances of experiencing erectile dysfunction.
- Performance Guilt. There is a strong correlation in the list of psychological erectile dysfunction causes between a man’s guilt over not satisfying his partner and his inability to perform sexually.
- Depression and related medications for depression often result in reasons for erectile dysfunction.
- Low self-esteem. This can be due to prior episodes of ED (thus a feeling of inadequacy) or can be the result of other issues unrelated to sexual performance.
- Indifference/Loss of Sexual Interest. This may come due to age and a subsequent loss of interest in sex, be the result of medications or stemming from problems in a couple’s relationship.
- Long Periods of Sexual Inactivity. Men who have been sexually inactive for long periods of time (years) often find it takes several attempts at sexual relations before their performance is satisfactory. Jokingly, some refer to this as “the great awakening”.
Erectile Dysfunction Causes — Physiological
Recent studies were performed in the United States to identify the size and scope of erectile dysfunction in men. In preparation for the study, researchers hoped to discover answers to questions such as:
- is there a definable erectile dysfunction age?
- are there natural erectile dysfunction remedies?
- how does one best approach a course of erectile dysfunction treatment?
- and what is the overall impact of erectile dysfunction drugs?
After making an adjustment for age, studies showed a higher probability of impotence (ED) was directly related to the following medical reasons:
- heart disease;
- hypertension;
- diabetes and associated medications;
- anger, depression and associated medications;
- cholesterol;
- and the degree of a dominant personality, suggesting testosterone levels.
Cigarette smoking was associated with a greater probability of complete impotence in men with heart disease and hypertension.
Erectile Dysfunction Treatment
In one’s quest for the perfect aphrodisiac, researchers have examined many of the historically recognized herbal remedies for sexual performance only to be disappointed with the results – except in one area.
A study was performed whereby a total of erectile dysfunction 90 patients divided into controlled groups of 30 where they were closely followed and monitored. During the initial stage of testing, no treatments were issued to any group. Without any form of treatment, changes in symptoms such as the frequency of intercourse, premature ejaculation, and morning erections were not changed allowing researchers to establish a base line for their study.
With a baseline reached, one group was provided with a placebo, a second group was provided with a mild dose of trazadone, and the third group was provided with red ginseng. None of the groups were informed as to what they were taking.
Interestingly, the group receiving ginseng noticed dramatic change. There were changes in many of the early erectile parameters such as penile stiffness, penile width, libido and patient satisfactions was significantly higher than that of the other controlled test groups.
The overall performance improvements in erectile dysfunction for the test groups showed a 60 percent decrease in negative performance issues among those taking ginseng; a 30 percent decrease in negative performance issues for those taking the placebo as well as trazadone. It was found that if ginseng was consumed over a prolonged period, a sharp improvement in penile vascular flow could be seen.
Research has now shown that the extract saponin found in red ginseng has a positive impact on the smooth muscle of erectile tissues.
Erectile Dysfunction Remedies
First and foremost, the best course of treatment for erectile dysfunction is found in investing in the nurturing of a loving relationship with a partner where both feel secure in their ability to relate intimately.
Erectile dysfunction can be treated at any age, and one might be surprised at how successful these treatments can be.
If you think you have ED, the best first is to talk with your doctor. The treatment you need will depend on the cause.
Arriving at a solution may require one of the following:
- counselling;
- medications;
- pumps;
- and/or surgery.
Erectile Dysfunction Drugs — ED medicines can come in the form of pills, drugs inserted into the tip of the penis, or injections into the penis administered by the patient.
The first course of action a doctor will usually take is to prescribe to men pills such as:
- Avanafil (Stendra)
- Sildenafil (Viagra)
- Tadalafil (Cialis)
- Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn)
These medications are taken anywhere from 15 minutes to 36 hours before having sex, depending on the drug, and should not be used more than once a day. These pills work in 80 percent of all men. It must also be stated here that often men with psychological reasons for their ED can slowly stop taking these medications after experiencing several healthy sexual performances. Any stoppage in this medication should be planned with the guidance of a physician.
Side effects to the above mentioned ED drugs can include:
- Headache;
- Stuffy nose;
- Muscle ache;
- In very rare cases, a temporary blue-green shading in your eyesight.
Writer: James C. Tanner
English