Erectile Dysfunction: What Is It and How is it Treated?

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Men are often perceived as the stronger sex because they are more muscular and bigger than women. However, when it comes to health, this isn’t the case. Men are much more likely to experience health conditions earlier than women because of different lifestyle, social and biological factors. This includes conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

Another common condition men in the US suffer from is erectile dysfunction. Thousands of men are diagnosed with this condition yearly, but what is it? We’ll talk you through everything you need to know about erectile dysfunction:

What is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is a condition in which a man cannot keep or get an erection firm enough to enjoy sexual intercourse. While most men diagnosed with this condition only have it for a brief period, others can have it for a prolonged period.

Erectile dysfunction can be caused by several things, such as:

  • Certain diseases and conditions – this includes high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, bladder cancer, and injury to the penis.
  • Some types of medication – erectile dysfunction can be a side effect of many common medicines, including blood pressure, antidepressants, and ulcer medications.
  • Psychological or emotional issues – this includes anxiety, depression, and fear of sexual failure.
  • Certain lifestyle factors – smoking, drinking, using illegal drugs, being overweight, and not being physically active can all cause erectile dysfunction.

The Most Common Signs of Erectile Dysfunction

The three most common signs you have erectile dysfunction are:

  1. Not getting an erection at all.
  2. The ability to get an erection occasionally but not all the time.
  3. Getting an erection, but it not lasting long enough to have sex.

How is Erectile Dysfunction Treated?

There are several different treatments for erectile dysfunction. Here are some of the main ones:

  • Lifestyle changes – before trying other types of treatment, your healthcare professional may suggest you make some lifestyle changes. This includes stopping smoking, reducing alcohol intake, increasing physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight. All of these things are thought to help improve this condition.
  • Visit a counselor – sometimes, erectile dysfunction can be caused by emotional or psychological issues. If you feel anxious or have a lot on your plate, visiting a counselor to discuss your problems might be an idea. A counselor will teach you ways to cope with stress and anxiety.
  • Alter your medications – some prescribed medications can cause erectile dysfunction. If your healthcare professional believes one of the medicines you are taking is to blame for this issue, they may decide to alter your medication.
  • Oral medication – if none of the above work, you might need oral medication to help with erectile dysfunction. There are lots of different types available, including chewable tablets like Bluechew. You can get Bluechew today online.
  • Alternative medicines – some people argue that certain alternative medications can help them to get and maintain an erection. However, not all alternative medicines are safe, so make sure you do your research before taking any.
  • Surgery – surgery is the last resort. Very few men require surgery to treat their erectile dysfunction.

In the US, over 30 million men are affected by erectile dysfunction. Unfortunately, many of these men feel too embarrassed to ask their doctor for help. Instead, they accept the fact that they can no longer have sexual intercourse. However, erectile dysfunction isn’t anything to be ashamed of. It is a common condition that can be treated. If you think you have erectile dysfunction, visit your doctor today.

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