The inability to maintain an adequate penile erection for sexual performance is known as erectile dysfunction (E.D.).

E.D. affects over 150 million men in the U.S. and 18–30 million in Germany. There are 152 million men affected by this issue worldwide. However, predominance rates differ from country to country, in almost three out of four men over 40 in France, Norway, and Japan. The prevalence of E.D. in Spain is practically 18.9%, while in Germany it is 19.2%. The average pace of E.D. among Thai men is 37.5%.

Although the disease is considered benign/harmless, if ED treatment can’t be done it can significantly affect the quality of life of many men and their sexual partners. E.D. often results in anxiety, depression, and lack of self-esteem and self-confidence, perpetuating the disorder. Smoking and certain drugs can negatively affect erectile function, and Erectile dysfunction can also be because of a lack of education. E.D. seems to have a vital and secondary risk factor because it rises progressively with age.

Symptoms:

  • Erectile dysfunction often precedes heart disease.
  • Low self-esteem.
  • Depression
  • Distress for the couple.

Causes:

Common causes:

Some of the risk factors of erectilele dysfunction are :

  • Being over age 50,
  • Having high blood pressure
  • Having a cardiovascular disease
  • Smoking
  • Lacking exercise
  • Being obese
  • Having high cholesterol

Physical causes:

Blood flows adequately to the patient’s penis, and it can’t trap the blood, and nerve signals can’t reach the penis during an erection. In addition, cancer treatment near the pelvis can damage penis function.

Emotional causes:

Work stress, social and religious issues, and relationship conflicts are emotional causes.

Erections work:

The nerves in the penis release chemicals that supply blood flow to the erection chambers. The soft tissues relax during an erection, and blood is trapped.

Diagnosis:

What to do before your appointment

The first thing you need to do is schedule an appointment. Simply tell the receptionist you want to speak to the doctor about male health problems if you don’t want to tell them why you’re coming.

Create a list of all the information that your physician will need. Include:

  • Please provide the following information about yourself. Do you feel stressed at the moment?
  • This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, supplements, and vitamins.
  • Are you a heavy drinker, a smoker, or do you use cocaine?
  • They ask the patient to submit blood tests and collect urine for testing.
  • Information about your symptoms. When did it begin? How often does this happen?

Consider inviting your partner along. You may forget or overlook details your partner can fill in for you.

Treatment:

  • Non- invasive treatments:

The first procedure was used to cure erectile dysfunction, and it is safe.

  • Oral drugs:

Increased blood flows into the penis is one of the primary effects of PDE- 5 inhibitors. For treating this disease, these are the only oral agents approved by the U.S. The response rate is lower in patients with diabetes or cancer. The drugs used are Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis.

  • Testerone therapy:

Those with erectile dysfunction whose blood testosterone levels are low can take this medication. Using it with oral drugs may be helpful.

  • Vacuum erective device:

It comprises a plastic tube that slips over the penis. Because of the pump creating a vacuum, an erection occurs. For 30 minutes, blood remains in the penis, and this blood causes sperm to coagulate.

  • Intracavernosal and Urethra therapies:

Imagine that oral drugs do not affect the treatment. Alprostadil comes in two forms, depending on how it is used.

  • Self-injection therapy:

This therapy involves injecting alprostadil into the penis using a needle. Through this method, you have an 85% chance of regaining erection.

  • Combination therapy:

Alprostadil is more effective in treating erectile dysfunction when used with two other drugs.

  • Intraurethral therapy:

An injection of a tiny medicated pellet of a drug is made into the urethra. A burning sensation occurs in the urethra as a side effect.

  • Surgical treatment:

The procedure of implanting a penile implant is effective, and Penile implants are also known as penile prostheses. Senior men benefit from these procedures. As a result, the penis becomes stiff, and the relations become more spontaneous.

  • Semi-rigid implants:

The silicon in them gives the penis firmness.

  • Inflatable implant:

A fluid-filled cylinder is placed in the penis in this method. A pump powers the cylinder, and the penis becomes firm. An implant can also alter how big the erection is.

  • Supplements:

Supplements are more popular and cheaper than drugs. Research has not definitively shown whether supplements are effective.

  • Vacuum pump:

Males use the most common method. Pumps the air out of the plastic cylinders inserted into the penis.

  • Male hormone therapy:

A low testosterone level increases the desire in men, but blood flow to the penis is not affected.

  • Shock wave therapy:

Shock waves of low energy are used to treat erectile dysfunction. Shock waves of low energy are sound in treating erectile dysfunction.

  • Penis pumps:

By pumping air into the penis tube, the air is sucked in.

  • Exercise:

Exercise plays a very significant role in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. It minimizes the risk of occurrence to zero.

  • Physiological counselling:

Assume erectile dysfunction occurs due to stress in a relationship or couple. Counselling is essential.

  • Alcohol and smoking cessation:

Erectile dysfunction is more likely to occur because of increased consumption of the drug. Smoking also interferes with the process and has a negative effect.

  • Loose excess pounds:

In addition, being overweight increases one’s risk of contracting this illness.

Conclusion:

The global epidemic of erectile dysfunction is alarming, and it is now common among men of all ages. There is a high prevalence of erectile dysfunction in geriatric patients because of the comorbidities and pathologies of the erectile tissue and its supplying vessels.

Preventing and treating ED requires a multifaceted approach. It is essential to never administer sexual performance-enhancing medicines to patients with heart conditions that would not permit them to perform sexually. Before treating erectile dysfunction, a physician should review all medications that may worsen ED. Counselling should always precede treatment. Older adults have access to a wide range of nonpharmacological, pharmaceutical, and surgical options.

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