Erectile dysfunction and sexual health
A man is considered to have erectile dysfunction if he regularly finds it difficult getting or keeping a firm enough erection to be able to have sex, or if it interferes with other sexual activity.
Since the discovery of the drug sildenafil, or Viagra, affected penile erections, most people have become aware that ED is a treatable medical condition
Men who have a problem with their sexual performance may be reluctant to talk with their doctor, seeing it can be an embarrassing issue.
Facts on erectile dysfunction
-Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as persistent difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection sufficient to have sex.
-Causes are usually medical but can also be psychological.
-Organic causes are usually the result of an underlying medical condition affecting the blood vessels or nerves supplying the penis.
-Numerous prescription drugs, recreational drugs, alcohol, and smoking, can all cause ED.
Physical or organic causes of ED
• Heart disease and narrowing of blood vessels
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol levels
• Obesity and metabolic syndrome
• Hormonal disorders including thyroid conditions and testosterone deficiency.
Psychological or emotional Causes
Psychological or emotional factors may make ED worse. You may develop ED if you have one or more of the following:
• Fear of sexual failure
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Guilt about sexual performance or certain sexual activities
• Low self-esteem
• Stress about sexual performance, or stress in your life in general
-Keep Your Weight Under Control
Excessive body weight is closely correlated with erectile dysfunction.
Being overweight can bring many health problems, including type 2 diabetes, which can cause nerve damage throughout the body. If diabetes affects the nerves that supply the penis, ED can result.
Simply put, being overweight or obese can have a serious negative impact on your erections. In fact, obesity is even more closely correlated with ED than aging. For optimal erection quality, it’s best to maintain a healthy, normal body weight through responsible dieting and exercise.
-Eat well
Having a healthy diet is one of the most important things you can do to look after your health. A balanced diet can make you feel better both mentally and physically and can reduce your risk of conditions such as heart disease and diabetes than can lead to erectile dysfunction.
Studies have found a strong link between diet and impotence. Men who eat lots of whole grains and fruits and vegetables, and avoid processed foods and too much red meat, have fewer erectile problems.
-Quit Smoking
Along with obesity, smoking is one of the biggest causes of erectile dysfunction for men aged below 40. Luckily, it is a reversible one -- studies show that quitting smoking leads to noticeable improvements in erection quality and a reduction in the symptoms of ED.
Add the cardiovascular benefits of quitting into the equation and cutting back on cigarettes (or preferably, quitting smoking entirely) is one of the best ways to improve your erections and get better results in bed.
-Exercise
There are many lifestyle changes that are erectile dysfunction remedies, but among them, exercise is the ED treatment that can have the greatest impact, Exercise works on several fronts to combat the development of ED and help reverse it once it has become a problem.
Exercise improves blood flow, which is vitally important to a strong erection, and improves blood pressure by increasing nitric oxide in blood vessels, weight-bearing exercise can increase the natural production of testosterone, a significant factor in erectile strength and sex drive.
-Reduce Stress Levels
High levels of stress can also cause ED, and this is often the case for young men who experience this condition. If you have a lot on your mind and are very distracted, it could affect the firmness and sustainability of your erection, one great way to alleviate stress is through exercise. Engage in exercise you enjoy and will de-stress you if the exercise itself does not cause stress.