This article takes a closer look at the causes of erectile dysfunction.
This can be both a physical problem and a psychological problem.
Both problems have many possible underlying causes.
With erectile dysfunction (impotence or erectile dysfunction), a man has difficulty getting or maintaining a good erection.
An erection problem is experienced as annoying by many men.
Not only for themselves, but they also often feel like they are failing their partner. The carefree feeling of making love and enjoyment can disappear.
Every time it doesn't work out, there is disappointment and fear of another failure.
An erection problem often has underlying causes.
Problems with getting an erection can vary greatly.
It may not be possible for you to get an erect penis.
Or you may have problems maintaining your erection.
Or you get an erection, but the erection is not hard enough for sex.
When someone suffers from erectile dysfunction can also vary.
For example, you may only experience it during sex, or also during masturbation.
Many men notice that such problems effect have on their self-confidence and on the relationship with their partner.
They often have the idea that they are the only ones with this problem.
However, this is not the case. More than fifty percent of Dutch men between the ages of forty and seventy regularly or always have problems getting or keeping an erection.
Not all men seek help for this, often out of shame and because the subject is taboo for many men.
Do you suffer from erection problems, sometimes, occasionally, or more often?
Then read on to find out more about what the causes may be and what you can do about it.
An erection (stiff penis) occurs during sexual arousal, which releases substances in your brain.
These send signals via your nerve pathways to the penis.
This causes more blood to flow through the arteries to the penis.
More blood flows in than flows out, which increases blood pressure in the penis. This makes the penis stiff.
Do you occasionally have a good nighttime or morning erection?
Then your blood vessels are fine and there is probably no underlying disease.
Sometimes the cause can be a physical problem, you can read more about this below.
Men who are known to have cardiovascular disease have a high risk of erectile dysfunction due to arteriosclerosis.
This causes the blood vessels supplying the penis to clog, causing less blood to flow to the penis.
Changes in the blood flow to the penis can cause the stiffness of the penis to decrease.
Erectile dysfunction can also be a precursor to cardiovascular problems.
If you have complaints in this area (including shortness of breath, chest pain, deteriorating condition), it is important that you discuss this with your doctor as soon as possible.
It is also advisable to have your blood pressure and cholesterol checked by your GP.
High cholesterol can affect erection.
Long-standing diabetes has a bad effect on the nerves and blood vessels in the long term. This can reduce sensation in the penis, causing erectile dysfunction.
Research has shown that there is a clear correlation between obesity and erectile dysfunction.
In men who are overweight (BMI>25) or obese (BMI>30), the risk of erectile dysfunction increases by as much as 30 to 90 percent.
Although erectile dysfunction almost always has multiple causes, obesity can be a huge factor.
This probably all has to do with testosterone.
This hormone is very important for the normal functioning of the male body, and a testosterone deficiency can lead to erectile dysfunction.
More exercise is often a solution.
Excessive alcohol use, smoking, drugs or medication can often be the culprit.
Stimulants can have a negative influence on the erection.
It is also known that certain medications are bad for an erection, such as beta blockers, antidepressants and prostate reduction drugs.
Smoking can also negatively affect your erection.
Examples of neurological causes that can cause erectile dysfunction include multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury.
After surgery or radiation for colon or prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction is more likely to occur.
An abnormal anatomy of the penis can be a narrowed foreskin or an unnatural curvature of the penis.
This can make intercourse painful and unpleasant.
Hormonal problems can also cause a reduced sex drive.
Hormonal abnormalities can be congenital or develop at an advanced age.
The occurrence of an erection does not always have a physical cause, but can also be a psychological problem.
Erection problems often have a psychological cause.
Worries, stress or just a busy life can have a major influence on the erection or its maintenance.
If it didn't work out once, the next time all attention may be focused on the erection instead of the pleasure.
This means there is insufficient arousal, so that the erection disappears quickly or does not start at all.
Men can thus end up in a vicious circle and develop fear of failure.
Emotional trauma, depression and relationship problems can also be factors for erection problems.
The following psychological causes can cause erection problems:
If you have difficulty getting an erection, it is valuable to find out what causes this.
Do you recognize any of the possible causes mentioned earlier?
Then you can try to work on this.
You can also seek specialized help.
Medicines such as Kamagra or aids may then be prescribed.
For the treatment of erection problems, you can go to the urologist, where the condition will be diagnosed. Before the consultation with the urologist, you complete a questionnaire.
In addition, the testosterone level in the blood is tested.
During the first consultation, the urologist will fully identify the problem by asking you specific questions.
A physical examination will then take place, including examining the penis and testicles.
Furthermore, attention is paid to the blood circulation and nerves of the penis and scrotum.
Sometimes internal examination of the prostate is necessary or additional examination such as measurement of the urine stream, more extensive blood tests, an ultrasound or MRI scan.
This process could take a few weeks.
There are various treatment options.
If there is a psychological cause, psychological guidance can be provided by a general practitioner, sexologist, psychologist or psychiatrist.
The urologist chooses the most suitable option together with the patient.
If you have decided with your doctor to switch to medication for erectile dysfunction, there are several options.
There are currently three different erection pills available, all of which are equally effective for erectile dysfunction and are equally well tolerated.
A distinction is made in these pills between short-acting and long-acting erection pills, consult with your doctor what is best in your case.
The available erection pills that you can buy: Kamagra, Viagra, Cialis and Levitra.
All three pills can cause side effects, so always consult the package insert of your erection pills.
