Erectile Dysfunction

There are various factors that cause Erectile Dysfunction. While most know that physical injury can lead to ED, psychological factors play a huge part as well. For an individual to have a healthy and sustainable erection, three aspects of the body’s process should be working well.

• The blood flow (BF)
• Nerve supply
• The balance of sex hormones

Problems and/or disruptions in any of these processes can lead to ED. It can be physical (a ‘hardware’ problem) or psychological (mental health effects – ‘the software’)

The severity of ED is determined by how hard the penis is when aroused. Based on this, there are ways to describe the hardness of the penis.

• Severe ED: Penis is not hard.
• Moderate ED: Penis is hard, but not hard enough for penetrative sex.
• Mild ED: Penis is hard enough for penetrative sex, but not rigid.
• No ED: Penis is hard and rigid enough for penetrative sex.

The process of undergoing diagnostic tests and imaging helps a professional determine the cause behind the patient’s ED along with ruling out any underlying medical conditions.

The diagnostic process for ED may entail (not every patient with ED needs all the following tests; it is decided on a case-by-case basis). The diagnostic procedure for ED may include all or some of the following:

• Medical and sexual history evaluation
• Physical examination of external penis anatomy
• Lab tests
• Psychological examination
• Imaging: Ultrasound (US)

Physical examination is not mandatory for diagnosis.

There are various evidence-based and accepted treatments for Erectile Dysfunction. The treatment however is determined on a case-by-case basis. This is because ED has different types of causes, as mentioned above, and while some may require medical support for physical causes, sexual therapy is beneficial for psychological causes. In most cases, however, holistic treatment is considered.

Here are some of the common treatments prescribed for Erectile Dysfunction. The two main forms of treatments for ED available are:

• Psychological counselling
• Medicative interventions such as tablets, hormonal treatments, or medical devices.

Preventing sexual disorders can sound daunting, however, there are various ways that it can be prevented. The key is to understand the common causes behind it.

There are various complications that can occur if Erectile Dysfunction isn’t treated. Besides the possibility of the condition affecting your sex life physically, it can alter your mental health too. It’s important to understand how effective treatment can prevent foreseeable consequences.

Bad diets can lead to conditions such as increased body mass and obesity as well – both risk factors for ED. Maintaining a healthy body weight allows for great heart and blood vessel health as well. For improvement in erectile function to be noticed, dietary caution is a valid medical advice – for anyone, in fact. Reducing Erectile Dysfunction risk is notably challenging with popularised foods around us – but we’ve made a list for you to begin with.

Exercising can greatly improve physical health – including cardiovascular, blood vessel and blood flow help. It helps prevent chronic conditions such as vascular disease, kidney diseases, blood pressure concerns etc – all of which can help with an improvement in erectile functioning among patients with erectile dysfunction.

A healthy lifestyle is imperative for sexual functioning, even though it is commonly ignored. Physical inactivity is discouraged as it adds to the common risks associated with ED.

The treatment outcome of CBT depends on the course and type of simultaneous treatments (if and wherever required) that are also prescribed by health care professionals. These could include medicative interventions or prescribed drug treatment (such as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors), hormonal therapy, and medical conditions treatment.

Understanding mindful focus, improving attitudes towards sex, understanding constructive communication and encouraging positive beliefs about sex is part of psychological counselling.