5 Medical Issues Which May Lead to Erectile Dysfunction

A man and his penis share a hollowed relationship. This relationship, like any other, has its quite literal ups and downs. Nearly 15 percent of men are victims of severe Erectile Dysfunction (ED) in their 70’s. While that number may not seem that high, it doesn’t consider the high percentage of men who experience a range of ED. According to the University of Wisconsin’s School of Medicine and Public Health, a man’s chance of mild or moderate Erectile Dysfunction goes up by every decade of his life once he hits 50. For example, half the male population in their 50’s can expect to have ED issues. Sixty percent of men in their 60’s will also have mild to moderate erectile dysfunction, and so on.

Erectile Dysfunction’s root can be a host of things from physical ailments to mental state. Let’s look at five of the most common medical issues that can affect the magic from happening in the bedroom.

Heart Disease

As erections are made with blood flow, it’s no wonder heart health and sexual health are closely connected. Conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and congestive heart failure can all be likely culprits when diagnosing ED. These diseases cause narrowing of the arteries which prevents strong blood flow from heading south to a man’s Johnson.

When it comes to ED related to heart disease, take care of the root cause first. Stay away from (or quit) smoking, get adequate sleep and exercise, and eat a heart healthy diet. Work with a trusted doctor for medical treatment and potential a bodywork or meditation specialist for help with stress management.

Obesity

Obesity is not only a cause of ED, it can also contribute to all the other conditions on this list. Medically, it can lead to diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, and a string of other diseases. It can also affect a man psychologically because he may lack body confidence or feel self-conscious about this body. This can lead to depression and anxiety.

Obesity has also been linked to lower levels of the hormone, testosterone, which drives erections and libido. So as testosterone diminishes, so does the desire and ability to have relations.

The best way to deal with the issue is to lose weight safely under the supervision of a doctor. Men who lose weight, tend to notice an increase in drive and ability fairly quickly.

Diabetes

Here’s some shocking information. Studies have shown that men with diabetes have a four times greater chance of having erectile dysfunction and it often begins 15 years earlier than the average case. Why? Diabetes not only affects the blood vessels which stimulate erection but also the nerves which maintain it.

Treatment for diabetes is generally an improvement in lifestyle choices (i.e. healthy diet and exercise) and medication.

Sleep Issues: Sleep Apnea & Restless Leg Syndrome

Lack of sleep can be hard on the brain and heart, but that’s not all! More men (and women) are finding that sleep disorders also contribute to sexual dysfunction. A recent study from Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City found that men with more severe erectile dysfunction have a higher risk for sleep apnea. It’s a bit of a case of the chicken or the egg. However, men can turn that around with treatment which may include lifestyle changes and sleep apparatus like a CPAP machine or an oral appliance like a MAD.

In addition to sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome is also linked with ED. So much so that a recent study found that men with restless leg syndrome were a whopping 78 percent more likely to have erectile dysfunction than those that didn’t. The link seems to be a drop in the brain chemical dopamine. Dopamine is one of the hormones the body releases to help a man sleep. Lower levels mean less sleep and more sleep deprivation-related issues like low T and depression. Treatment includes lifestyle changes and medication.

Mental Health: Depression & Anxiety

Last, but certainly not least, mental health also has links to ED. Depression itself can cause a lack of interest and energy for sex; however, many medications used to treat depression also cite erectile dysfunction as a possible side effect. In addition to other types of therapy, sometimes just asking the prescribing doctor for a prescription that does not have an ED history may be an easy fix.

Anxiety, specifically performance anxiety, can also cause ED. Men experiencing from anxiety may see a doctor for therapy or medication.

Regardless of disease, one thing a man can do to prevent erectile dysfunction and retain penis sensitivity is to care for the penis well. Many men choose to use a specially formulated penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) daily for extra vitamins and nutrients, in addition to excellent moisturizing capabilities. These crèmes keep the penis smooth and supple, but also strengthen it with vitamin A and C and amino acids like L-Carnitine and L-Arginine which promote blood flow and protect against nerve damage. It’s more than a penile moisturizer, it’s a penis rejuvenator.

Erectile Dysfunction 101: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Guys may do a lot of talking about sexual conquests and the unrelenting prowess of their libido; however, one sexual thing a lot of men won’t talk about is Erectile Dysfunction, also known as ED. That’s a shame because experts estimate that affects nearly 30 million men, especially those over 65. Talking and self-education are the best ways to find a remedy for ED, so let’s run down everything a man needs to know about erectile dysfunction.

What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Let’s start out by saying that the occasional inability to get or maintain an erection would not be classified as ED. However, when it becomes a chronic condition happening 25-percent of the time or more, it’s time to see a doctor. It’s also important to note that erectile dysfunction doesn’t just affect older men. Young men in their 20s can also have ED.

Erectile dysfunction is also not a one-size-fits-all issue. Some men with ED can’t get an erection at all. Others can get one occasionally. Then there are still others who can get an initial erection but can’t maintain it long enough for intimate relations. This can, of course, affect self-esteem for both the man experiencing erectile dysfunction and his partner.

What Causes ED?

Erectile dysfunction can be a symptom of many things. Some of the most common reasons are as a result of a diagnosis of a different disease. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are all diseases which affect blood flow in the body, and as a result, limit blood flow to the penis which is the ingredient required for an erection. Students also show that up to 20-percent of the causes of erectile dysfunction are mental illnesses such as depression. Medications can also cause ED as well.

Treatment Options for Men with Erectile Dysfunction

Men are like snowflakes – no two are exactly alike. That means that the plan that works for Tim may not work for Eduardo. Treatment plans for erectile dysfunction are created solely for the individual and should be created by an experienced doctor specializing in men’s sexual health.

Treatment options include medication like Viagra or Cialis. It’s important to note that there are side effects with these options that range from chest pain to vision impairment and for about one-third of men, they don’t work.

ED implants are also options for men who don’t find relief from medication. These implants are custom-fitted to a man’s unique equipment and are designed to look and perform like an au naturale erection. Also, penile implants are undetectable to the naked eye, so no explanations are needed! Whew! Awkward conversation averted!

Of course, for men who have erectile dysfunction as a symptom of a larger disease like diabetes, treating the root illness is much more important than treating the symptom. Be sure to follow the treatment plan as laid out by a trusted physician. When related to disease states, sometimes ED can clear up on its own given lifestyle changes and illness remediation.

Men who suffer from ED may also want to try a specially formulated penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) daily to promote blood flow and penis health. These specials creams are made specifically for the penis and contain vitamins such as A, B, D, and E, which provide healthy cellular function. In addition, men should use a product containing vitamin C as it helps blood flow to the penis for creating strong erections. Additionally, look for crèmes with L-Arginine, a powerful vasodilator promoting increased blood flow for a stronger and more powerful erection.