1. You can consult a specialist doctor about your erectile problem in the following situations:
- If you have concerns about erections or are experiencing other sexual problems such as premature or delayed ejaculation,
- If you have diabetes, heart disease or another known health condition that may be linked to erectile problems,
- If you have other symptoms along with erectile dysfunction.
What are the causes of erectile dysfunction?
Male sexual function is a complex process involving:
- the brain,
- hormones,
- emotions,
- nerves,
- muscles,
- blood vessels.
Erectile dysfunction can result from a problem with any of these. Likewise, stress and mental health concerns can cause or worsen erectile dysfunction.
The causes of erectile dysfunction can be divided into organic and psychogenic; in other words, physical or psychological problems can cause erectile dysfunction. Sometimes a combination of physical and psychological problems causes it. For example, if physical conditions that slow sexual responses are combined with anxiety, serious erectile dysfunction can result.
2. Causes of erectile dysfunction
In many cases the cause of erectile dysfunction is a physical problem. A problem with cardiovascular health is one of the most common causes. The physical causes of erectile dysfunction can be listed as follows:
- Heart disease
- Clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis)
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Obesity (excess weight)
- Metabolic syndrome (a condition involving increased blood pressure, high insulin levels, body fat around the waist and high cholesterol)
- Parkinson's disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Certain prescription medications
- Tobacco use
- Peyronie's disease (a condition involving the development of scar tissue inside the penis)
- Alcoholism and other substance addictions
- Sleep disorders
- Treatment for prostate cancer or an enlarged prostate
- Surgery or injuries affecting the pelvic area or spinal cord
3. What are the complications of erectile dysfunction?
- An unsatisfactory sex life
- Stress or anxiety
- Embarrassment or low self-esteem
- Relationship problems with a partner
- In very serious cases, inability to have children because intercourse with a partner cannot take place
4. How is erectile dysfunction treated?
The treatment of erectile dysfunction varies according to the underlying problem. If you have a problem such as diabetes or heart disease, your doctor will first refer you to a specialist for the treatment of these diseases. If you are already aware of these problems and your treatment is progressing well, the doctor may prescribe certain medications for your erectile problem.
