Exercises for Erectile Dysfunction – are they effective?

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Some doctors believe that exercise is an important aspect of maintaining proper erectile function. Some also feel that E.D. at an early age may be an indicator of other health issues including heart problems, vascular diseases, and diabetes. All types of exercise are beneficial for improving a type of cell called the endothelium which controls the dialation and constriction of blood vessels. Regular physical activity is known to improve the function of these cells. Some studies have shown increased levels of nitric oxide after exercise. The beneficial effects of exercise on erectile function may take months to fully take effect.

All types of aerobic or resistance training have been shown to have a beneficial effect on the function of endothelial cells. A regular exersice routine may improve function of the blood vessels, and symptoms of erectile dysfunction may subside or cease with a proper diet and regular exerice.

Do Pelvic Exercises Work?

The short answer is, maybe. Exercises which focus on improving muscle strength in the muscles that ejeculatory fuctions, bladder, and bowels may have limited to significant affect on erectile dysfunction (depending on which doctor you ask). Some doctors believe that Pelvic exercises, also referred to as “Kegel” exercises can improve blood flow and erectile function. Here is how to do Kegel exercises for ED:

1) Contract and relax the muscles around the urethera. One Australian doctor recommended that men contract these muscles for 5 seconds, then rest for 10 seconds. This can be followed up with 10 squeezes in a more rapid succession.

Do These Exercises Work For ED?

Some doctors belive that they are effective, while others do not. One European doctor surveyed men and found that 40% regained normal function. Some also had mediocre improvemets, when 1/4 of the men noticed no difference. The results of this survey showed a similar outcome as popular medications for ED.

ED’s Connection to Vascular Problems

Erectile problems may be an indicator of other health issues including heart disease. If erectile problems are found to be the result of vascular issues, it may indicate a risk of heart problems. Erectile dysfunction has been linked in recent studies to be a prime indicator of future heart disease.

A German study showed that men with E.D. were almost twice as likely to die from heart disease. These men also had in increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

Types of Exercise That May Work For E.D.

Any type of physical activity may be beneficial for improving the function of blood vessels. Any type of aerobic exercise such as jogging or swimming can be beneficial. Weight training or resistance training can also help. If you have ED or any known ailments, it is important to contact a doctor to check for any health issues that may be at the root of the problem.

Diet may also be important to improve endothelial function. Diets that were high in “trans fat” were linked to the development of endothelial dysfunction. Smoking and weight gain were also found to contribute negatively. Some studies have shown that supplements like anti-oxidants or the amino acid l-arginine can support increased nitric oxide and better functioning of the endothelium.  Researchers have also found that some people with endothelial dysfunction did not have the ability to dilate blood vessels properly in response to nitric oxide. Others had properly functioning endothelium, but decreased levels on nitric oxide production.

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Erectile Dysfunction: is it a psychological problem?

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Erectile dysfunction is an extremely “common” problem that occurs in almost all men at some point in their lifetime. Complete impotence affects a very small, but significant portion of men. In men over 40, the rates of impotence were at about 5%. By the age of 75 years, these rates rose to 15%. Usually these erectile problems occurred intermittently. But, by the age of 70, over half of men experienced some erectile problems.

Incidents of E.D. had both psychological and medical causes. Serious erectile issues or impotence (especially in young people) were found to be most likely caused by a medical condition or injury. These conditions would include diabetes, circulatory disorders, and hormonal problems, or obstruction of blood flow.

Psychological Causes

E.D. can originate psychologically and cause difficulty with intercourse. This type of erectile problem usually comes and goes depending on the situation.

Below are 4 psychological causes of E.D.:

Depression – Depression can often present itself with a wide array of symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose. These symptoms may include poor mood, sleeplessness, and low energy. Depression may also decrease arousal and/or cause a person to lose interest in intercourse.

Another important thing to note about medications used to treat depression is that they have side-effects including loss of interest in sex and well as the inability to perform. Loss of libido is a common side effect, so if E.D. was not present before antidepressant medications were used, it is possible that they may be the cause of the problem. Certain anti-depressants may have a lower incidence of sexual side effects. Changing medications may help to reduce these side effects.

Lack of Arousal – sometimes the inability to perform can be due to a lack of arousal in a situation or with a partner. The treatments for E.D. including pumps, supplements, or medications can work very well with this type of dysfunction. These type of interentions can help a man perform, even with lower levels of arousal.

Stress – stress is a complex physical state that affects the body in many different ways. Cortisol is known as the “stress hormone”, as it is released during times of physical, mental, or emotional stress. Since testosterone and cortisol come from the same hormonal precursors, excess production of cortisol due to stress can lead to lower levels of testosterone. Low levels of testosterone that are due to stress can be improved with meditation or relaxation techniques. Counseling may also be a way to relieve stress and prevent anxiety issues that result from stress.

Trauma – sexual dysfunction may also result from trauma of a past relationship, incident, or experience. This type of dysfunction may be treated with counseling and/or medication. A counselor that is trained to specifically deal with these type of issues may be more effective, than a traditional counselor.

In men, psychological issues are not often talked about. There is a stigma associate with anxiety or depression (especially in men), so getting to the root of the issue isn’t as easy. Arousal problems may require a man and his partner to establish a setting in which both parties feel comfortable. Creating a comfortable environment can improve chances of recovery.

Couples Counseling

Couples counseling can also help to restore intimacy and increase chances of successful intimacy. Erectile dysfunction can have a serious impact on a relationship. The expectation of a treatment can also have its own effects. Best results are achieved when a couples work together to fix the issue.

Before the invention of modern medications for E.D., couples counseling was the first line of intervention. There are multiple studies that show the effectiveness of counseling in patients with E.D. after prostate removal. Therapy was found to be effective via face-to-face meeting and counseling over the internet. Internet counseling was also helpful in cases where the patient were particularly embarrassed about the condition.

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Herbs For Erectile Dysfunction

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In addition to medications, some herbs may also be effective in the treatment of ED. Herbal supplements like horny goat weed, ginseng, and yohimbe have had some success in men with mild to moderate erectile problems. Studies have shown that some herbs can have similar targets (such as the PDE-5 enzyme) as commonly prescribed pharmaceutical remedies. Even though most of these herbal remedies can be bought over the counter, they can have effects on the body in similar ways that medications do. Due to this fact, it is very important to discuss their use with a doctor, especially if you are being treated for other types of medical issues. The 3 herbs below have been used for hundreds of year in traditional medicine, but have recently made their way into common use by the public.

3 Herbs That May Help ED:

Horny Goat Weed – this herb is very popular in chinese medicine and also goes by names such as Barrenwort or Rowdy Lamb Herb. Studies have show that it may affect nitric oxide and the enzyme PDE-5, which is the target of many modern ED medications like Cialis. One italian study, demonstrated that Horny goat weed affected the PDE-5 enzyme as strongly as modern pharmaceuticals developed for erectile dysfunction.

The name of this herb is believed to stem from goat herders that noticed increased sexual activity, when their animals fed on this plant. Even though this herb has been shown to be effective in small studies, studies on larger segments of the population is needed to determine its effectiveness.

The side effects of Horny Goat Weed are usually minimal, but can have some negative effects in higher doses. It is especially important to discuss your use of this herb with your doctor, if your are taking medications for blood pressure or heart disease.

Ginseng – this root is commonly used in chinese medicine for medical problems ranging from low energy to athsma. It also shows promise in treating erectile dysfunction. A 2002 study in the Journal of Urology showed a moderate improvement in erectile function, compared to placebo. This supplement only appeared to be effective in patients that were taking it on a daily basis. It was not reported to improve symptoms, if taken “as needed”. The commonly used supplement is believed to increase levels of nitric oxide in the body. Deficiencies of the compound, “nitric oxide” have been linked in some cases to erectile problems.

Ginseng is generally considered to be a safe supplement. Although it does have side effects, especially at higher doses. The side effects of ginseng may include anxiety, high blood pressure, and sleep disturbances. It may also have an effect on blood sugar, so it should be avoided in people with diabetes. Ginseng is known to increase the effectiveness of blood thinning medications. It should be discussed with a doctor prior to use.

Yohimbe – this supplement is derived from the west African yohimbe tree. It has a long history of being used as an aphrodesiac in both males and females. Studies proving the effectiveness of the herbal form as a treatment for ED, are lacking. A standardized for of the herb, called Yohimbine hydrochloride, has been shown in clinical trials to be effective for impotence. Yohimbine works by blocking alpha 2 adreno-receptors. It is believed that this increases levels of neurotransmitters which may relax the smooth muscles surrounding the blood vessels.

Other side effects of this supplement include blood pressure issues and blood clotting problems. There also may be some unpleasant side effects like nervousness and agitation. Extracts which contain only the active substance in Yohimbe are also available.

Discuss with your doctor before taking any herbal supplement.

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Surgical Treatments and Implants for Erectile Dysfunction

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In addition to pumps, exercises, injections, and medications, surgical intervention is also an option to treat erectile dysfunction. There are 3 main types of surgeries that may be suggested by your doctor, depending on the causing factors of the ED. If erectile function is impaired due to injury or impaired blood flow, surgery to fix vascular function may be recommended. Two types of surgeries that can do this are Penile Bypass and Venous Ligation surgery. If proper blood flow is restored, there is a chance that patients ca regain normal function.

Prosthesis’ are also surgically implanted to treat serious cases of E.D. or impotence. Prosthesis is usually only considered in case that medication, injections, or pumps were not effective.

There are different types of prosthesis including inflatable, non-inflatebale, and 2 or 3 piece implants.

Types of Prosthesis for ED

There are two main types of implants, including hydraulic and non-hydrolic. Hydraulic implants are inflatable and allow for patients to control rigidity by pumping saline into chambers which are implanted within the penis.

Inflatable – This type of prosthesis contains a reservoir which holds saline, and a pump used to move that saline into penis when the patient wants to achieve an erection. The pump is implanted into the scrotum and squeezed in order to inflate the implant. A release valve is also implanted into the scrotum, in order to release the fluid. Inflatable prosthesis come in 2 or 3 piece implants. 3 piece implants are the most common type and are used in around 3/4 of patients.

Inflatable types of prosthesis are usually considered to look and feel more natural. The best results were found with the 3 piece inflatable implant, but surgeries using this implant are the most expensive and most complicated. This type of implant also allows for the best recovery time, and least amount of pain compared to the other two types.

Non-inflatable – This type of implant is used much less frequently used than the inflatable type. It is made up of bendable “rods” which are implanted into the chambers in the penis that are responsible for erections. This type of implant is always rigid, so the penis is always in an erect state. In order to achieve erection in this case, the penis is simply bent upward. Many men do not like this type of implant as it is uncomfortable and does not look natural. It was also the least expensive type of implant.

Surgery to Improve Vascular Function in Patients with ED

Penile Bypass – In this case, the goal of the surgery is to restore normal blood flow by removing an obstruction and/or connecting an artery to the erectile chambers. This is called “penile bypass surgery”. This allows for patients to have naturally occurring erections without requiring the use of medications or implants. This bypass provides an alternate route for bloodflow to enter the caverous callosum. This surgery is complicated and has a success rate that varies widely. It ranges from 30% – 80%, depending on the type of patient that is selected. Men who are young and have no other ED associated risk factors like diabetes, smoking, or high blood pressure are the best candidates for this surgery.

Venous Ligation – Men who have ED due to a leaky artery, can have immediate improvements after it is corrected with this surgery. These men may also have a tendecy to have new artery leakage over time. New artery leakage can occur in over 50% of men who undergo this type of surgery. This make the risk and expense of undergoing this surgery, questionable.

 

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Injections for Erectile Dysfunction

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In recent years, treatments for erectile dysfunction have exploded in quantity onto the market. Dietary supplements are commonly sold for this disorder, but most have questionable effects. Other E.D. products like pumps, injections, creams, herbs, and medications have all shown to be very effective at treating this disorder. An injectable ED medication, is sold under the name Caverject. This medication was approve by the FDA in 1995 and is made up of a naturally occurring substance in the body called Prostoglandin E1.

Prostoglandin E1 dilates blood vessels at the “injection site” and has shown to be effective in helping men achieve and maintain erections. Thess injections were shown to work successfully in close to 80% of men. The injections were successful for most types of E.D. including psychologically caused and age related. The dosage used will vary depending on the needs of each particular patient.

These injections were shown to work successfully in close to 80% of men that used them. Injections were successful for most kinds of E.D. including psychologically caused and age related. The dosage used will vary depending on the needs of each particular patient.

How The Injections Work

A syringe containing the medication is inserted into the penis and injected into the spongy tissue (discuss proper injection techniques with your doctor). Prostoglandin E1 dilates blood vessels in this area in order to help the user gain erectile function. The effects of the shot last around 1 hour, but depending on each individual and the dosage, it may last longer. (it may cause permanent damage if not USED AS DIRECTED!). Effects take on average of 10 minutes to achieve.

Injections are one of the fastest ways that men with E.D. can achieve an erection, compared to the use of medications. The injection’s effectiveness for treating E.D. was discovered accidentally, when a surgeon injected it into the area surrounding the penis during an operation. During this procedure it produced an erection in a man who was otherwise impotent. Proper use of the injections are essential to achieve the best effects, and to avoid side effects like scarring. If these injections are not properly or used in people without E.D., long term damage may occur. Improper use of the injections would include using more medication than directed, or using it more frequently than advised by your doctor.

Is The Injection Pain Significant?

One of the main drawbacks to this medication is that it must be directly injected into the penis. Men might have difficulty with this as it can cause some pain, swelling, redness or bleeding. If the pain is severe, there are other methods to achieve an erection that may be otherwise necessary. These includes pumps and oral medications. Another draw back to the injections, is that erections may last longer than desired in some men. This happens more frequently with injections when compared with oral medications because it is not dependent on arousal. Oral interventions allow your body to more effectively achieve an erection, while an injection will cause local effects that lead to an erection.

Side Effects

The side effects are usually mild, but may include redness, bleeding, or build up of scar tissue at the injection site. Another common side effect was a general pain or “dull ache” in the penis. This pain subsided when the medication’s effects wore off. It is important to consult with a doctor before use, as it may cause a problem in men with certain medical conditions like heart disease, blood pressure disorders, or Peyronie’s disease. If a resulting erection lasts longer than 4 hours, consult with a doctor.

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Erectile Dysfunction Pumps: are they effective?

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Pumps or “Vacuum Constriction” devices are effective for many men with erectile dysfunction. This type of device is made up of a plastic cylinder, connected to a manual or battery powered pump. The device creates a “vacuum effect”, which helps to create an erection in men with erectile dysfunction or impotence. After this device is used, intercourse may be attempted within a certain time frame.

These pumps can serve as an alternative to medications, which may not be safe in men with certain health issues (like high blood pressure). They are considered to be effective in 60-80% of men and have a very low side effect profile.

What Are The Risks?

Vacuum devices are relatively safe, but in some cases can cause bruising, irritation, or pain. Some pumps contain a “quick release” valve to prevent injury in case the suction is too strong.

Pumps may in some cases cause blistering, which can make intercourse painful. They can also bruising on the head or shaft of the penis. The side effects caused by pumps or vacuum devices are usually minor or temporary.

Lymphatic Fluid buildup – One downside to erectile pumps is that in addiction to drawing blood into the penis, it also may also draw in lymphatic fluid. This fluid will not disperse as quickly back into the body as the blood, but it is a reversible problem. In some cases it can affect the user’s ability to urinate. This side effect usually only occurs with overuse.

Who Are These Devices For?

ED pumps can be used for all types of erectile problems including anxiety induced E.D., erectile problems due to prostate removal, or problems with blood flow as with medical issues like diabetes or spinal cord injury.

These pumps are NOT for individuals that have bleeding disorders or priapism. Before you use any type of medical device for ED, consult with your doctor.

How Much Do They Cost?

ED pumps can range in price from $100 to $600. The more expensive pumps like the Pos-T-Vac has been approved for marketing by the FDA. The material is medical grade and is proven to be effective in 98% of men with this issue.

Other pumps are available online, for a smaller cost, but quality in these products are not guaranteed.

The cost of a high quality ED pump can be reduced if health insurance does pay for it. A prescription from a doctor must be acquired if the patients wants the product to be paid for via insurance.

Is This Method better than Surgery or Injections?

There are many options to treat E.D., including injections, surgery, and medications. Injections for erectile dysfunction are very effective, but need to used directly on the penis, which can be painful for many users. Doctors like injections, due to the fact that their effects are “local”, and work relative quickly.

Oral medications have effects on body and might not be suitable for someone with blood pressure issues. They also may be expensive if insurance does not cover their cost.

Surgery is usually only done in severe cases, or when their is an injury impeding blood flow. Vascular reconstructive surgery is performed to in cases where blood flow to the penis is somehow obstructed. In this procedure, an artery (usually from the abdominal muscle) is connected to the penile artery. This bypasses the injury and allows blood to flow properly into the penis.

The results from this surgery have been mixed. Benefits have been seen in the rage of 5% – 50%. The amount of improvement usualy depends on the age of the patient and the type of injury.

 

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BPH and ED

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BPH, also known to as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, refers to an enlarged prostate which can lead to erectile or other types of sexual dysfunction. Urinary tract symptoms such frequent urination, weak urine stream, and difficulty emptying the bladder are common symptoms of BPH and more likely to occur in men with erectile problems. Around three quarters of men in a survey exhibited symptoms of ED that coincided with urinary tract issues. Researchers were unsure why urinary tract symptoms were so closely associated with erectile dysfunction. Some believed that alterations in nitric oxide availability, sympathetic nervous system hyperactivity, or hormonal function were to blame.

Medications For BPH and ED

Certain medications like anti-depressants and antihistamines are well-known for causing sexual dysfunction. But, other medications for BPH like “Flowmax” have shown some benefits in reducing ED in some small studies. Flowmax is a drug that helps relax muscles in the bladder and allow for normal urination. It is used to treat BPH and allow for normal urinary function. One study showed that men with improvement in urinary tract issues with the use of alpha-blockers, like Flowmax, also had an improvement in erectile function. More studies are needed to confirm this benefit of alpha-blockers on erectile dysfunction in men with urinary issues.

- A small percentage of men had the side effect of erectile dysfunction when they used 5-alpha reductase inhibitors like Avodart to treat BPH. ED problems were found in men to varying degrees from just over two percent, up to thirty eight percent.

Drugs or Supplements that Reduce DHT Levels

A reduction in the hormone DHT was shown to coincide with higher incidents of ED, in some cases. The herbal supplement Saw Palmetto which is sometimes used to treat enlarged prostate, has shown the effects of reducing DHT.

- Medications that reduce this testosterone derivative (DHT), were shown in some cases to improve erectile function, due to the reduction in swelling of the prostate gland.

- It is also believed to contribute to erectile dysfunction in some cases, due to its DHT reducing effects.

Consult with your doctor before taking any dietary supplements to treat BPH.

Risk of BPH Surgery on Erectile Function

Prostate surgery does carry the risk of sexual dysfunction, which should be thoroughly discussed with your doctor before any procedure is undergone. A very high risk of ejaculatory issues coincides with removal of the prostate gland. A much smaller risk of erectile dysfunction also may come along with this type of surgery. Around 2-10% of men developed some type of erectile problems after the surgery was performed. This percentage varies with the type of procedure performed.

Studies were mixed as to whether men were able to return to full levels of erectile function after prostate surgery. A more recent study showed that less than half of men believed they returned to normal in after a full year of recovery. Most men did have improvements in erectile function, but questions have been raised as to whether or not their full abilities had returned.

- One medication for ED has also been shown to reduce urinary tract symptoms. The ED drug tadalafil was recently FDA approved to treat symptoms of BPH. The reasons why some ED medications may help to improve urinary tract symptoms were unclear.

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Erectile Dysfunction: The Basics

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The inability to get or maintain an erection, is a problem that affects over 10 million men, in the United States alone. Erectile problems occur with greater frequency, as men approach the age of 65, but they can also be found in younger men. E.D. is a very common disorder, and may have a variety of contributors ranging from diabetes to anxiety issues. Erectile dysfunction is often a sensitive issue for men, who may be reluctant to speak with a doctor due to embarrassment. Fortunately, in 2011 it is very treatable with the use of medications, vacuum pumps, dietary changes and/or supplements.

Is It Psychological?

Erectile problems can occur due to stress or anxiety, but may have an underlying medical cause. Stressors like work, relationship issues, and poor sleep can all reduce the ability of the body to maintain an erection. Severe depression is also a psychological contributor to ED. Different medical disorders can contribute to the reduction of blood flow in the penis. Non-psycholocial factors that may cause E.D. include diabetes, blood pressure problems, and heart disease. If seen in a younger individual, severe ED or impotence may be a signal to schedule a doctor visit.

Medications Can Cause ED

As men age, their propensity to use more medication increases. Health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, low testosterone, and high cholesterol can all cause erectile problems. Many times successful treatment of an illness can lead to improvement in erectile function.

Certain medications are also known to cause ED in a percentage of users. Drugs like antidepressants, antihistamines, anti-inflammatories, and chemotherapy agents, can cause problems with this function. Some medications (NOT ALL) may even cause damage to blood vessels which can contribute to the severity of the problem.

Supplements

In addition to medical interventions, erectile function may be improved with dietary supplements. (Before starting on any type of supplement regime, first consult with your doctor)

Supplements That May Help ED:

DHEA – Certain cases of erectile dysfunction may benefit with the supplementation of DHEA. A study in 2000 found that men with ED had lower levels of this important hormone. DHEA was shown in a study to improve erectile function in about 50% of men in a 1999 study. This “master hormone” affects the levels of other hormones like testosterone in the body. Some people taking DHEA may have side effects including acne, aggressiveness, or male pattern baldness,

Ginseng – A 2002 study showed that 60% of men taking panax ginseng supplements had improvement in erections. Improvements only occured if this supplement was taken on a continual basis. Ginseng may promote erections by increasing the availability of nitric oxide. This is a very similar means of action as most modern medications for ED.

Yohimbe – African Yohimbine bark is commonly used as a supplement for issues ranging from fat loss, to diabetes, and erectile dysfunction. Yohimbine bark affects the alpha-2 adrenoreceptors in the body, which leads to relaxation of the minor corpora cavernosa in the penis. Relaxation of smooth muscle around the blood vessels leads to increased blood flow and better erectile dysfunction.

Medical Devices

In additional to pharmaceutical interventions for ED, medical products like “vacuum constriction devices” have shown beneficial effects. These FDA approved treatments like the Pos-T-Vac, can induce erection at a rate of over 90% in men. These devices work by using a vacuum pump to draw blood into the penis. Some vacuum devices may be paid for with health insurance. Vacuum devices do not require a prescription for purchase, but a prescription is needed you plan to use heath insurance.

“Vacuum devices” can be used for any type of ED, including medically caused and psychologically caused. There may be some side effects including numbness, tingling, and bruising. But, over around 60% of men say that they were happy with the device and its overall effectiveness.

Lifestyle Contributors

External factors like smoking or excessive alcohol intake can reduce a person’s ability to get an erection. One study showed that men who smoked 20 cigarettes or more per day, had a 60% higher risk of E.D. Long term smoking can lead to a condition called atherosclerosis.

This condition may cause a reduction of blood flow and damage the blood vessels. Fortunately, these issues may reverse, if the cigarette smoking ceases.

Diet and Weight Loss

Dietary and physical changes that can improve overall health, may benefit erectile function as well. Researchers have shown that a diet which improves symptoms of diabetes, heart problems, and blood pressure, also had beneficial effect on ED. A study of over 700 men showed that dietary and changes to physical exercise improved erectile function. With poper diet and exercise, the use medications may be avoided completely in some cases.

 

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Causes of ED

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Erectile Dysfunction or male sexual impotence happens for several reasons. Firstly, the sexual experience is a complex one that brings the emotions, brain, nerves, hormones, muscles and blood vessels into play. This can bring about Erectile Dysfunction. Secondly, stress and mental problems can also cause it just as psychological and physical problems can also be responsible.

Let’s discuss the various causes of E.D.:

Physical causes: Physical conditions such as heart disease, atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome that involve high insulin levels, accelerated blood pressure and stomach fat can cause Erectile Dysfunction.

Medical causes: Some medical conditions also bring on Erectile Dysfunction, such as Parkinson’s Disease, multiple sclerosis, low testosterone levels, scar tissue development in the penis, Peyronie’s disease and some prescription medications. Treatments for an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer and surgeries that affect the pelvic area or spine also cause this condition. Decreased blood flow also causes this problem.

Apart from that, men who use NSAIDs for more than three months are at a risk of erectile dysfunction. This was found in a study conducted at Kaiser Permanente, South California. The study began in 2002 and included over 80,000 men between 45-69 ages. Users who had these regularly were about 2.4 times more likely to be affected by erectile dysfunction than those who didn’t use these drugs.

Yet another medical condition, sleep apnea is also related to erectile dysfunction. There is a growing body of research that has found this connection. The scientists suspect that this may have to do with rise in the levels of testosterone with sleep. On the other hand chronic sleep deprivation causes sexual dysfunction.

Lifestyle causes: Excessive smoking, alcohol and substance abuse are also contributory factors to Erectile Dysfunction. Ageing in men above 60 years also plays a part in this condition.

According to yet another study conducted by scientists at University of Adelaide, obese men with Type II diabetes suffered from erectile dysfunction. Diabetic men who volunteered for the study were given low-fat, low-protein diet. The results after a few weeks showed that there was a modest weight loss of about 5%. This resulted in reversal of sexual and urinary problems.

Thus modest weight loss along with diet of high nutritional quality is of significance and can positively affect your erectile dysfunction.

Psychological causes: The brain triggers several factors which lead to an erection, beginning with experiencing sexual excitement. Several things can hinder sexual feelings and cause Erectile Dysfunction or worsen it. These include depression, anxiety, fatigue and stress.

Medicinal causes: Certain medicines can also cause Erectile Dysfunction, such as diuretics, anti-hypertensives, fibrates that lower cholesterol levels, cytotoxics that prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells, anti-convulsants to treat epilepsy, antipsychotics that treat schizophrenia and other mental problems, and H2-antagonists that are used to treat stomach ulcers, among other medications.

Emotional causes: Emotional issues that hinder a man’s ability to achieve an erection normally include the inability to confide in anyone about problems; ignorance of sex; a history of sex-related problems; sexual abuse and starting out in a new relationship.

Traumatic causes: Any penile trauma or injury or injury to the pelvic nerves and blood vessels contribute to the development of Erectile Dysfunction.  Some of the leading traumatic causes are:

Peyronie’s disease: Here, scar tissue forms inside the penis, causing it to be either bent or curved during an erection. If the penis is injured, it can lead to the formation of scar tissue.

Riding a bicycle for prolonged periods: This is cited as a definite cause of Erectile Dysfunction because of the pressure on the perineum (the delicate area between the scrotum and anus).

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Diseases that Cause E.D.

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It is common for a man to experience difficulty in having an erection because the process is complex, and problems can be caused which are of a physical and/or psychological nature. Problems in erection may be caused due to diseases. These diseases include:

Coronary Artery Disease: When plaque builds up in the arteries, it reduces the blood flow and eventually blocks the arteries, causing a heart attack. This can also affect blood flow to the penis, making an erection difficult to achieve.

Diabetes: The damage caused to the nerves and arteries due to diabetes makes achieving an erection extremely difficult. About 40% of all diabetic men also suffer from erectile dysfunction since blood flow to the penis is hampered due to the narrowing and hardening of the blood vessels transporting blood to this organ. Diabetes increases the risk of impotence by 165%.

Renal Disease: This causes chemical changes that affect blood circulation, hormones, neural activity and energy levels, thereby lowering sexual performance levels. Treating renal disease with drugs can also cause Erectile Dysfunction.

Vascular Disease: Diseases affecting the blood vessels (vascular) include atherosclerosis, high cholesterol and hypertension, accounting for 70% of the physical causes of this condition. A study was conducted on the effect of vascular risk factors on penile vascular activity in men suffering with Erectile Dysfunction by Kendirci M, Trost L, Sikka SC, Hellstrom WJ, of the Department of Urology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA. A batch of 1,216 patients suffering with erectile dysfunction was evaluated based on the link between vascular risk factors and penile vascular parameters. They were categorized based on the type and number of risk factors they presented.

Each patient was given intracavernous prostaglandin E1 injections and accompanying sexual stimulus to evaluate the flow of blood into the penis. They also underwent a duplex Doppler ultrasound study in the penis. From this and other parameters, the study proved that the weakest blood flow was seen in patients with erectile dysfunction who also suffered from diabetes, coronary heart disease and arterial insufficiency. The study also proved that an abnormal blood flow in the penis was linked directly with the number of vascular risk factors each patient presented.

Cancer: Treating prostate cancer often causes erectile problems. According to a study published online in British Medical Journal, male bowel cancer patients can suffer from erectile dysfunction after treatment. Every year almost 38,000 people in UK are affected by bowel cancer. From the group of volunteers, most of them experienced erectile dysfunction due to treatment side effects. And many of them were either unprepared or not informed.

Hypertension: High blood pressure damages the arterial wall causing coronary artery disease and erectile dysfunction.

Parkinson’s Disease: About 33% of all patients of Parkinson’s Disease also suffer from sexual dysfunction due to a damaged nervous system.

Multiple Sclerosis: The central nervous system is severely affected by multiple sclerosis and causes impotence.

Arthritis: The chronic body pain brought about by arthritis affects the patient’s mental condition and can cause E.D.

While there are many causes for erectile dysfunction, there is hope through research. Injectable medication, vacuum devices and implants have expanded the horizon for men seeking treatment for this problem. There are several centers where gene therapy option is also being explored, and this may offer a long lasting solution.

Patients should be thoroughly investigated for erectile dysfunction before they begin any kind of treatment. It is significant to note that lifestyle choices can also contribute to issues such as heart disease and vascular problems which in turn can raise the risk of ED.

Remember, erectile dysfunction is treatable at all ages.

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