{"id":5246,"date":"2019-07-29T15:55:03","date_gmt":"2019-07-29T19:55:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=5246"},"modified":"2024-05-21T14:01:08","modified_gmt":"2024-05-21T18:01:08","slug":"erectile-dysfunction-guide-symptoms-causes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/erectile-dysfunction-guide-symptoms-causes\/","title":{"rendered":"The ultimate guide to erectile dysfunction: symptoms, causes, and solutions"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With more than 3 million U.S. cases reported per year, erectile dysfunction is extremely common. All you have to do is turn on the television and you\u2019ll quickly become familiar with the slew of treatments and drugs available.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:6849,&quot;3&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:0},&quot;9&quot;:1,&quot;10&quot;:2,&quot;12&quot;:0,&quot;14&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:0},&quot;15&quot;:&quot;Arial&quot;}\" data-sheets-formula=\"=CONCATENATE(R[0]C[-2],R[0]C[-3],R[0]C[-1])\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Erectile dysfunction, or impotence, is the inability to get or maintain an erection. It can also mean you are not happy with the size or hardness of your erections. It\u2019s often self-diagnosable, seldom requires lab testing, and\u2014most importantly\u2014is treatable.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A common type of male sexual dysfunction, erectile dysfunction tends to become more common as you get older. That said, there are many types and causes of erectile dysfunction and it can occur at any age. It can be linked to certain prescription medications, lifestyle choices, including smoking and excessive alcohol intake, and a number of underlying health conditions, both physical and mental.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although some people have trouble talking to medical professionals about erectile dysfunction, it\u2019s important to be open with your doctor and remember that he or she is\u00a0 there to help. Given erectile dysfunction is sometimes a sign of other underlying health issues, discussing it with your doctor can be beneficial to improving your overall health.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Speaking openly to your doctor about your erectile dysfunction will ensure you\u2019re recommended the best treatment options, be it taking medication, or making lifestyle changes like meditating, reducing alcohol intake, or losing weight.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Symptoms<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The main symptom of erectile dysfunction is not being able to get or keep an erection firm enough for sex. Erectile dysfunction can also mean that you\u2019re unable to get an erection at all. For some men, it means you can\u2019t get an erection consistently, or can only maintain brief erections.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Erectile dysfunction symptoms can include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not being able to get an erection<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulty maintaining an erection<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unable to keep an erection firm enough for sex<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Brief erections<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cannot achieve an erection consistently<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduced sexual desire<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Causes<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sexual health is a complex business involving a combination of your hormones, nervous system, muscles, blood vessels, and brain. Because of this complexity, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">there are different types and causes of ED, both emotional and physical. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Below are some common causes of erectile dysfunction.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Psychological and emotional issues:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">stress<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">general anxiety<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">performance anxiety<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">depression<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sleep disorders<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">relationship problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">guilt about sexual performance or certain sexual activities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">low self-esteem<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Underlying medical conditions and diseases:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cardiovascular disease (heart disease)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">diabetes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">high blood pressure (hypertension)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">metabolic syndrome (combination of increased blood pressure, high insulin, body fat around the waist, and high cholesterol)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">multiple sclerosis<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parkinson\u2019s disease\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">stroke<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">spinal cord injuries<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">alcoholism\/substance abuse<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tobacco use<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">liver or kidney disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pituitary gland conditions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Peyronie\u2019s disease (scar tissue inside the penis)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">injury from treatments for prostate cancer, including radiation therapy and prostate surgery<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">injury to the penis, prostate, bladder, or pelvis<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">surgery for bladder cancer\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nerve damage<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">low testosterone<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">premature ejaculation <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cardiovascular disease and diabetes in particular can have a significant effect on the likelihood of a man developing erectile dysfunction, with men who have\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.niddk.nih.gov\/health-information\/diabetes\/overview\/preventing-problems\/sexual-bladder-problems\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">diabetes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> being more than three times more likely to develop the condition than men who do not have diabetes. This can be partially attributed to the disease\u2019s effect on blood vessels, ultimately lowering blood flow to the penis. Controlling diabetes, however, may help prevent and treat erectile dysfunction.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certain<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/004024.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">medications<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can increase the likelihood of a man experiencing erectile dysfunction:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antidepressants and other psychiatric medicines<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antihistamine medicines (some are used for allergies; others, for heartburn, such as Zantac)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High blood pressure medicines and diuretics (water pills), particularly thiazides (such as hydrochlorothiazide) and beta blockers (such as metoprolol, atenolol)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parkinson\u2019s disease medicines<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hormonal medicines<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Opiates (such as fentanyl, codeine, morphine, oxycodone)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recreational drugs including marijuana and cocaine<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lifestyle factors and behaviors:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">obesity or being overweight<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">increased age<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">alcohol use<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">smoking<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">not exercising<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Given the many and varied causes of erectile dysfunction, including emotional factors, medications, lifestyle choices, and underlying conditions, it\u2019s important to be comprehensive and open when speaking to your doctor. This will help him or her effectively diagnose and treat your condition, and get you back to enjoying a healthy erectile function.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although erectile dysfunction becomes more likely in older men, aging itself does not cause the condition, and fortunately it can be diagnosed and treated at any age.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Diagnosis\/Tests<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For many men, a physical exam and answering questions regarding medical history are all that&#8217;s needed for a doctor to diagnose erectile dysfunction and recommend a treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In fact, one of the first things a doctor will often do to help diagnose erectile dysfunction is take your medical and sexual history. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An example of some of the questions they may ask include:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During sexual activity, how often are you able to maintain an erection?<br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How would you rate your level of sexual desire?<br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have you had any surgeries or treatments recently?<br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do you take any over-the-counter or prescription medications?<br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do you drink alcohol, smoke, or use any recreational drugs?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some men find it uncomfortable to speak with a healthcare professional about erectile dysfunction and sexual health, so remember that with over 3 million cases a year in the U.S., you\u2019re not alone and there are effective treatment options available. The more your doctor knows about you, the easier it will be for him or her to help treat the cause of your erectile dysfunction and assess any risk factors you may have.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your doctor suspects that an underlying condition might be involved, or you\u2019ve communicated any existing chronic conditions, he or she may recommend further tests or a consultation with a specialist. Often, getting the underlying cause under control will improve erectile function. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diagnosis of erectile dysfunction may include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">review of health and sexual history<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mental health exam<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">physical exam<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">blood tests<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">urine tests<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">imaging tests, including ultrasound<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nocturnal erection test<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">injection test<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Along with the review of your health and sexual history, it\u2019s likely your doctor will perform a physical exam to help diagnose the cause of your erectile dysfunction. Just like some men are uncomfortable speaking about their sexual issues, others are put off by the thought of a physical exam. To put your mind at ease and to help manage your expectations, here is what your doctor may check during the physical exam:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the sensitivity of your penis to touch. This is to determine if the nervous system may be the cause of the erectile dysfunction.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the shape and appearance of the penis. For example, a curve in an erect penis can be caused by Peyronie\u2019s disease.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">physical indicators of hormonal problems, such as excess body hair or breast enlargement<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">blood pressure, as high blood pressure often contributes to erectile dysfunction<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pulse in both your wrist and ankles. This will help indicate any circulation problems.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although not necessary for an initial check, some patients may prefer to go to a urologist, a doctor who specializes in the area of male reproductive organs (urology).<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Solutions<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A common condition for men, erectile dysfunction is often treatable. Treatments are varied, and depend on the underlying cause of the erectile dysfunction. Some of the treatments that may be used include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lifestyle changes<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reducing alcohol intake<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Quitting smoking<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Losing weight<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increasing exercise<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meditation<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reviewing medicines that may be contributing to your erectile dysfunction, and discussing alternatives with your doctor <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Psychotherapy to help reduce depression, anxiety or stress<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oral Prescription Medication<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Injectable Prescription Medication<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Testosterone Therapy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vacuum devices<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Penile implants<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re interested in natural remedies, losing weight could be one of the more effective solutions to erectile dysfunction. A study out of<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/mens-health\/5-natural-ways-to-overcome-erectile-dysfunction\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Harvard<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> reported that just 30 minutes of walking a day had the potential to reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction by 41%. This is backed by other research that indicates moderate exercise can be beneficial to obese middle-aged men struggling with erectile dysfunction.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>RELATED: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/levitra-vs-viagra\/\">Levitra vs. Viagra<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Given two major causes of erectile dysfunction are vascular disease and diabetes, both of which are more likely with obesity, it makes sense that weight loss can help men overcome erectile dysfunction. In fact, the likelihood of a man having erectile dysfunction increases 50% if he has a 42-inch waist compared to man with a 32-inch waist. Obesity also plays a role in hormone imbalances, another contributor to erectile dysfunction in men.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Speaking of exercise, according to a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC1324914\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">British trial<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, another possible treatment for erectile dysfunction is to practice Kegel exercises. Blood flow is a major contributor to erectile dysfunction, and a strong pelvic floor (strengthened through these exercises) may help keep blood from leaving the penis, thereby improving rigidity during erections.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While some men find that treating an underlying condition, like hypertension, or making changes to their lifestyle through diet, exercise, or therapy is all they need to treat their erectile dysfunction and enjoy an active sex life, others may require prescription medication to manage their erectile dysfunction.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>RELATED: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/revatio-vs-viagra\/\">Revatio vs. Viagra<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When considering prescription medication to treat erectile dysfunction, popular options include FDA-approved <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/viagra\">Viagra<\/a> (sildenafil), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/levitra\">Levitra<\/a> (vardenafil), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/cialis\">Cialis<\/a> (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tadalafil), and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/stendra\">Stendra<\/a> (avanafil). Sometimes, doctors will prescribe sildenafil in the form of generic Revatio, which is just a lower dose but the same medication. Each of these<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/health.ucsd.edu\/specialties\/surgery\/urology\/areas-expertise\/male-sexual-health\/Pages\/sexual-dysfunction.aspx\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">medications<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> allow the penis to fill with blood and become erect by relaxing the muscles that surround the penis. These medications work similarly, however there are some subtle differences, such as how long they last, how they\u2019re administered, how long they take to take effect, and potential side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, Viagra can last for around four hours, while Cialis often lasts much longer\u2014up to 36 hours in some cases. (For a breakdown of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/cialis-vs-viagra\/\">Cialis versus Viagra<\/a>, read more here.)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another example is that<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.org.au\/australian-prescriber\/articles\/avanafil-for-erectile-dysfunction\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">avanafil<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may not be suitable for patients whose erectile dysfunction is caused by heart disease.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>RELATED: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/revatio-vs-viagra\/\">Stendra vs. Viagra<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bearing this in mind, it\u2019s important to discuss your lifestyle and preferences with your doctor when establishing which prescription option will work best for you. It may take some trial and error to find the best fit for your needs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With any of these oral prescription medications, patients should stop treatment and seek urgent treatment if there is a loss of vision, or sudden decrease or loss of hearing. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s also important to note that it\u2019s commonly advised that these medications should not be used in combination with nitrates, often prescribed for chest pain. So don\u2019t forget, always tell your doctor about any other medications\u2014prescription or nonprescription\u2014that you\u2019re taking so they can advise you effectively and assess any risk factors.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With more than 3 million U.S. cases reported per year, erectile dysfunction is extremely common. All you have to do is turn on the television and you\u2019ll quickly become familiar with the slew of treatments and drugs available.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Erectile dysfunction, or impotence, is the inability to get or maintain an erection. It can also mean [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":12450,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8029],"tags":[8922],"coauthors":[8861],"class_list":["post-5246","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-education","tag-erectile-dysfunction","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Guide to erectile dysfunction: Symptoms, causes, treatments<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Are you 1 of 3 million who suffers from erectile dysfunction? 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