Let’s first be clear, erectile dysfunction is not a taboo topic. And the only way to seek the answers to the questions you have about your erections is to start talking about it with your significant other, your medical provider, or seeking one that is an expert in erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is a common ailment affecting men, more than 30 million men to be exact. Incidence increases with increasing age but can happen at any age, even as young as in the 20’s.
What many men do not realize is that erectile dysfunction is beyond just the capability to get an erection nor is it defined as the complete loss of erections. ED includes a decrease in erection strength and your ability to last longer, a decline in sensation, maintaining an erection for sexual satisfaction, delayed ejaculation, unable to achieve an erection for intercourse, lack of enjoyment from sexual interactions, and the emotional and mental stressors including avoiding intercourse as a direct result from erection changes.
Erectile dysfunction can have numerous causes or be a warning sign of a more serious medical condition. Which again, speaks to the importance of having the conversation and talking about your symptoms. ED can be a result of aging, hormonal imbalance, conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, prescription and non-prescription medications, drug and alcohol use/abuse, tobacco use, blood flow issues or nerve damage, treatment for prostate cancer, and psychological concerns and stress.