It is something that all men will experience at one point in their lives.

You go to engage in intimate times with your partner, only to find that, for some reason, you cannot get an erection. Or, when you do, it may not last very long. That’s a downer, for sure.

Indeed, across the United States, every man who has been surveyed between 18-49 years of age has reported temporary issues with getting or maintaining erections. As it stands, in some ways, it would be very odd to be in the mood for sex all the time and to get an erection whenever it was called for. As well as this, even men around the age of 18 may experience issues with getting erections, especially if they have been consuming alcohol or have been stressed out by exams. 

However, when you have persistent issues with erectile dysfunction, it is time to seek help. There is nothing to be ashamed of, and, in almost all cases, this side effect is usually a symptom of a deeper-rooted issue in either your physical or mental health.

So, with that in mind, what are the most effective treatments for erectile dysfunction, what causes it, and how can you take steps to help yourself manage it? In this article, these topics will be explored without medical jargon to help you make sense of this condition.

What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is when you have issues getting an erection, maintaining an erection, or feeling sexually aroused if you are biologically male.

As mentioned before, if you have erectile dysfunction once a month after going to the gym and going to work, then it’s likely that you are tired, and there is nothing to worry about. However, if you suffer from persistent or regular issues with getting or maintaining erections, then you will need to seek the advice of a doctor or a urologist. There are many treatments available online, too, such as vardenafil at chemistclick.co.uk. However, if you are worried, then medical advice is the best step to alleviate this issue.

Common Causes Of ED

So, as mentioned before, fatigue is a common cause of ED. 

However, there are many more, some physical and some psychological. Plus, it may be the case that you could have comorbid conditions which are leading to you having issues with getting or maintaining an erection. 

Some of the most common causes are listed below. Be aware that this is a basic list and may not be reflective of your cause.

Blood Flow Issues

There are many health concerns or medications that can lead to issues with blood flow, with some of the most common ones being beta blockers. However, if you have heart disease, chronic kidney disease, or issues with your blood pressure, these can all negatively impact your ability to get or maintain an erection.

Psychological Issues

Stress, depression, and anxiety are common causes of ED in men. You may also feel pressured to perform, which can cause you to have a higher incidence of erection-related problems. Interestingly, many men who are on antidepressant medication or antipsychotic medications may also struggle with erectile issues, so always be sure to bring this to your prescribing doctor’s attention if you suspect that this is the cause.

Weight Issues

Sadly, being overweight, obese, or morbidly obese can impede your ability to get an erection. This can be due to blood pressure issues or may be related to sleep apnoea, which usually occurs when someone is overweight. So, it is well worth talking to your doctor about the best way to manage your weight if you feel it is negatively impacting your ability to get erections.

Lifestyle Issues

Weight is not the only lifestyle issue that can negatively impact your ability to be active in the bedroom. Indeed, smoking and consuming alcohol regularly are linked to recurring erectile dysfunction. So, gents, it is well worth giving up smoking or limiting alcohol if you consume these products often and want to engage in an active sex life again.

Treatments

Now, onto the treatments. The treatment that you will be given by your doctor or urologist will depend on the cause of the erectile dysfunction, so it is always best to consult with them first to ensure that what you take for your ED does not negatively impact your health in other ways.

Medications

Vardenafil is just one of the medications used to treat ED when it is caused by an issue relating to low blood flow. Almost all oral medications to treat ED, including Viagra, work this way, so you will need to have a blood pressure check beforehand to ensure that your BP is not too high.

Testosterone Injections

As men age, they produce less testosterone, which in turn can increase the likelihood of being able to get or maintain an erection. 

So, your doctor or urologist may recommend testosterone injections. These will usually be given by a nurse once a month, and there may also be blood tests so the testosterone levels can be monitored.

Surgery

Surgery is ideal for treating ED if there are no identifiable causes. The surgery may include placing an inflatable implant into your penis, which can then be pumped up when you want to have sex. If the issue is determined to be related to artery damage, then a surgeon can repair these to increase blood flow.

Counseling

If the cause of you having erectile dysfunction is found to be linked to stress, depression, or anxiety, then counseling or therapy can be extremely beneficial. This can be especially useful if it is taking a toll on your relationship, for which relationship counseling or sex-based therapy can be helpful. These will work to build your self-esteem and identify any underlying causes which may be preventing you from engaging in sex. If your ED is due to a medical issue, then counseling or therapy can also help you to better manage your emotions related to these issues rather than purely emotional ones.