Staying healthy is a common goal. Keeping your body, mind, and spirit in shape helps make life more enjoyable and can protect you from many different ailments and illnesses. However, try as you might to stay healthy, there are times you may experience issues due to a wide range of underlying reasons. One of the more common issues men face is erectile dysfunction, or ED, for short. Erectile dysfunction affects more than 30 million men in the United States. Thankfully, ED is treatable, and by understanding what causes it, you and your doctor can work together to find a solution. Here’s what you need to know!
What is erectile dysfunction?
When a male becomes sexually aroused, blood flow to the penis increases and begins to fill two chambers known as the corpora cavernosa. These two chambers run along the length of the penis and are made of spongy tissue. As the chambers fill with blood, the penis becomes erect.
When there is a problem with this process, it results in difficulty getting or maintaining erections, often categorized as erectile dysfunction. However, the frequency and severity of ED may vary drastically, depending on the underlying cause.
It’s important to note that most males experience occasional issues with ED, and 52% of men experience at least some form of erectile dysfunction at some point.
Determining the cause of your ED is the first step toward treating it.
What causes erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction has several causes. While some are easier to treat than others, the first step is to identify your cause so you and your doctor can work on treating it. Erectile dysfunction is typically caused by either physical or mental issues. Here are the most common reasons why you might be experiencing ED.
Physical Causes of ED
There are many physical causes of erectile dysfunction. Some common causes include:
- Heart disease
- Clogged blood vessels
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Using tobacco
- Alcohol abuse
- Sleep disorders
- Low testosterone
- Damage to the spinal cord or the pelvic area
If you are experiencing difficulties getting or maintaining an erection, and you believe that one of the above symptoms may be the cause, schedule an appointment with your healthcare professional.
Mental Causes of ED
While physical issues should be addressed, your mind plays an equally important role in your sexual activity. Many physical issues start out as mental problems. Left untreated, mental wear and tear will begin to affect you physically.
For many men, erectile dysfunction is caused by psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, or other mental stressors. These emotional and mental issues can affect your body physically, and cause very real issues, including ED.
When your body can’t relax the way it’s supposed to, you may find it difficult to obtain or maintain an erection. For those experiencing emotional issues, it’s important to seek help from a healthcare professional as your issues and symptoms will likely get worse without treatment.
Can a doctor help with erectile dysfunction?
Thankfully, erectile dysfunction is treatable. Whether your causes are emotional or physical, there are treatment plans available that will help alleviate the anxiety related to performing. By consulting a healthcare professional, you can work on identifying your causes and addressing them in a safe and effective manner.
FAQs about Erectile Dysfunction
Do you need to see a urologist for erectile dysfunction?
A urologist is trained in diagnosing and treating erectile dysfunction but an internist or your primary care doctor might be able to screen common issues leading to ED.
How does a urologist check erection?
Your doctor typically prescribes an overnight erection test to see whether you’re able to get an erection. A device placed around your penis measures how many erections you have during the night and how strong they are.
Fast Access to Healthcare Professionals
One of the best ways to begin treatment for ED is to consult a doctor via a program like UBERDOC. This allows you to set up an appointment with a qualified healthcare professional without having to ever leave your home. With UBERDOC, you have access to the care you need without having to uproot your schedule. We offer both in-person and telemedicine appointments, ensuring that you have access to the healthcare you need no matter how busy or restrictive your day is. To find out more about our services and how UBERDOC can help you, contact us today!
