Although we live in a much more enlightened society than in the past, some topics are still somewhat taboo. This not only means we tend not to talk about these topics, as it also means that when such topics relate to health, especially sexual health, those affected by them are never able to fully explore the treatment options available to them.
Erectile dysfunction isn’t a topic that we discuss often, but as it is an issue that affects a high percentage of men at some time in their lives, we need to discuss it more openly so that those affected by it are able to increase the number of treatment options which are available to them, and then seek a suitable treatment.
Erectile dysfunction – What is it and what causes it?
ED, the abbreviation for erectile dysfunction, may be caused by one or more things, including the most common causes, the physical causes discussed below.
Vasculogenic conditions – These include cardiovascular disease, diabetes and hypertension, which is better known to most as high blood pressure. These conditions, especially cardiovascular disease, are all strongly associated with erectile dysfunction.
Hormonal conditions – Hormones greatly affect male sexual health, so conditions like hyperthyroidism (an overactive or underactive thyroid gland) and Cushing’s syndrome, which affects cortisol production, can result in erectile dysfunction.
Neurogenic conditions – Having a stroke, which interrupts the body’s blood flow, can lead to erectile dysfunction, as can multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. These are very serious conditions that can do more than take a toll on a man’s sexual health.
Anatomical conditions – The rarest of the conditions discussed here, anatomical conditions such as Peyronie’s disease, which affect the anatomy of the penis, can result in erectile dysfunction.
Also, injuries and surgery (not only injuries and surgery that affect the penis directly) may also result in erectile dysfunction. As many as 15 – 25 percent of males who’ve suffered head injuries experience erectile dysfunction, according to a recent UK study.
Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction
A number of erectile dysfunction treatments, including Sildenafil Citrate (Viagra), Tadalafil, Vardenafil and Avanafil, are available from Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor, so men who suffer from erectile dysfunction should consider having a chat with a GP about the pharmaceutical treatments available to them.
The benefits of seeking treatment
It may be an embarrassing subject to bring up for many men, however, without some form of medical treatment very little can be done to resolve the problem. As a result, there are many benefits to seeking treatment, including the following.
Better sexual and mental health – The benefits to resolving any problems associated with male sexual health are overwhelming, especially when one takes into account the fact that sexual health and mental health are so closely linked.
Better relationships – It isn’t uncommon for erectile dysfunction to ruin relationships, so by seeking treatment to this common medical issue that affects males of all ages, you’ll also be taking steps to improve your relationship with your partner.
If you are exhibiting the symptoms of erectile dysfunction, have a chat to your local GP or get in touch with an NHS accredited online doctor.