It would be best if you approached over-the-counter erectile dysfunction treatment with caution. Although various products for treating ED (erectile dysfunction) are marketed without a prescription, their effectiveness is often not well supported by clinical evidence, and some products, especially from abroad, can be potentially harmful.
Impotence, more commonly referred to in the medical community as erectile dysfunction (ED), is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual activity. It's important to know that ED can indicate an underlying medical condition that needs treatment, such as heart disease or diabetes. That's why seeking medical help is crucial if you have persistent erectile problems.
The prevalence of ED increases with age. Although ED can also affect younger men, it is more common in older men. Overall, studies have shown that about 40% of men in their 40s report at least occasional difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection. The prevalence of this health problem increases by about 10% with each decade (i.e., 50% of men in their 50s, 60% of men in their 60s, and so on).
Causes of impotence
Erectile dysfunction can be the result of various factors:
Physical causes:
- diseases of the heart and blood vessels
- diabetes
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol
- obesity
- low testosterone
- certain prescription drugs
- tobacco use
- alcoholism and other forms of substance abuse
- operations or injuries affecting the pelvic area or spinal cord
Psychological causes:
- stress
- anxiety
- depression
- relationship problems
- anxiety about sexual performance
Other causes:
- aging
- hormonal problems
- kidney diseases
- sleep disorders
Self-help options and course of treatment
The doctor will usually do a thorough physical exam and history and may also order additional blood tests to check for signs of heart disease, diabetes, low testosterone, and other medical conditions. A urine test, ultrasound, and psychological examination may also be decided upon and performed. Appropriate treatment depends on the underlying cause.
Possible treatments include:
- Lifestyle changes: in some cases, losing weight, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, exercising regularly, and reducing stress can help with the problem.
- Medications: Medicines such as sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, and avanafil can be effective. However, they can have side effects and may not be suitable for everyone.
- Counseling: if anxiety, stress, or relationship problems play a role, counseling may be helpful.
- Testosterone therapy: Men with low testosterone levels may be recommended hormone replacement therapy.
- Vacuum devices can help pump blood into the penis to erect an erection.
- Surgical treatment: implants or vascular surgery may be effective when other treatments fail.
- Alternative therapies: some men may find relief from methods such as acupuncture or herbal supplements, but the effectiveness of these methods is not always well supported by rigorous clinical evidence.
Lifestyle and prevention of impotence
Many men often alleviate symptoms with radical lifestyle changes that do not cause side effects. Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, and whole grains and low in red meat and refined grains reduces the risk of ED. This diet also improves your cardiovascular function and other aspects of your health.
Adequate blood flow through the penis is essential for a firm erection. Aerobic exercises such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, and cycling improve the functioning of the circulatory system. Weight lifting and similar activities naturally increase testosterone production, which can also improve erectile function and sexual desire. Starting an exercise regimen or increasing what you already do can help reduce erectile dysfunction symptoms.
However, several lifestyle factors can harm erectile function, including:
- smoking
- excessive consumption of alcohol
- insufficient sleeper
If you have diabetes or other chronic conditions, you must stay on top of your medication regimens to ensure that poor health doesn't contribute to your ED. In addition, you should reduce your stress levels and get enough sleep each night to support normal erectile function. Ultimately, lifestyle changes for erectile dysfunction can reduce or eliminate symptoms.
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