Common Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
If you’re an adult male, chances are you feel that a healthy sex life ranks high on your list of “important things” for a happy life. And we agree with you. In fact, we consider sexual wellness to be a pillar of health!
If you are experiencing symptoms of erectile dysfunction, you really shouldn’t feel alone. It’s far more common than you’d think. Studies have found that around 52 percent of men experience some form of ED. And that number only increases with age.
But, just because it’s a common occurrence doesn’t mean you have to take it lying down. (Sorry for the pun. Couldn’t help it) The side effects of erectile dysfunction often reach farther than just the bedroom. Whether you realize it or not, ED can have a negative impact on self-esteem/confidence, relationships, overall intimacy, and anxiety, just to name a few.
We want you to know that there are ways to address these issues that don’t include popping pills or undergoing surgery (yikes).
But first things first; what is ED and what causes it?
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex. (well, duh). But, you should know that having erection trouble on occasion isn’t necessarily a cause for concern (Yes, it DOES happen to men from time to time. Don’t let jokes on TV shows get under your skin). However, if it is an ongoing issue, that is something worth taking a closer look at.
There are many causes of ED. Sometimes the root of it is actually another health issue. The better you understand the cause of the issue, the easier it is to address it.
Plaque build-up in the blood vessels
Plaque is a waxy, sticky substance made up of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other matter that is found in the blood. When this substance builds up, blood flow to various organs and tissue can be restricted. And if there is low blood flow to the penis… you can see where this is going… It can lead to difficulty in achieving an erection.
Diabetes
Insulin is a hormone that regulates glucose levels in the bloodstream. If a person has diabetes, their body may not appropriately use insulin or create enough for their body. This can lead to an over production of glucose in the bloodstream. You might be wondering what this has to do with a healthy sex life. Well, high levels of glucose impacts the blood vessels that makes sending blood to the penis a tough task.
Depression
Some research has found that nearly a quarter of men with ED also suffer from depression, anxiety, or both. When your brain is under unhealthy stress, your body releases a hormone called cortisol (which constricts the blood vessels in the penis). Over time, chronic stress, anxiety, and depression decreases the amount of testosterone in your body.
Low Testosterone / Hormone Imbalance
Normal testosterone levels are key for a healthy sex drive. That seems to be common knowledge. But, did you also know that testosterone also signals the blood vessels to widen, or dilate, improving the blood flow that causes firmer erections? However, that’s not the only hormone that needs to be in proper balance. The appropriate levels of estrogen (yes, men have estrogen) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are also required for healthy erections.
So what now??
The purpose of this article is not to make you feel overwhelmed with everythings that might be stacked up against you. It’s to let you know that there is a place to go for help in tackling them. At Rise Medical we offer multiple treatments that can treat (and reverse!) many of these issues.
Our RiseWave system is an acoustic wave therapy that addresses that plaque buildup and the only treatment that actually improves vascular issues with ED. We also offer full-panel hormone testing and treatment. And because we know that issues with intimacy can sometimes go much deeper than physical treatments, we have developed tele-rise; an online platform where you can speak directly with a coach or therapist from the comfort of your home. Contact us to set up a personalized consultation to see what treatment might be best for you.