Erectile dysfunction – learn about its causes and treatments

Erectile dysfunction, contrary to appearances, also affects men younger than 30 years old. There may be many reasons for this, but what is certain is that such difficulties should be properly diagnosed and treated. Without it not only a man’s sex life suffers, but the consequence can be lowered self-esteem or even depression. It is important that the problem affects up to 2 million men in Poland.

What are the symptoms of erectile dysfunction?

It is the inability to achieve, but also to maintain an erection. As a result, sexual intercourse cannot take place or is not fully achievable. There are situations when the inability is total, characterized by the inability to penetrate or the erection is so short-lived that it is impossible to have a full intercourse. However, it should be noted at once that often such a condition is not irreversible. Hence the need for diagnosis and treatment

What can affect the appearance of erectile dysfunction?

Unfortunately, the reasons for erectile problems may be different and that is also why it is difficult to clearly define them. These difficulties affect as many as 16% of men between the ages of 20 and 70, which also makes it difficult to specify the most common causes. Among the most common are:

• atherosclerosis or diabetes, which cause damage to blood vessels,
• neuropathy (dysfunction of the nervous system),
• depression,
• anxiety disorders,
• use of certain medications (especially depressants and hormonal medications),
• surgery,
• stimulants (e.g. alcohol).

What is the diagnosis of erectile dysfunction?

In case of erectile dysfunction problems you should not hesitate to see a doctor as soon as possible. Diagnosis in this case is based on three stages:

• history, including sexual activity and psychological state of the patient,
• a physical examination,
• possible additional examinations.

In the procedure, the aim is to quickly detect the cause of the disorder and remove its impact so that the patient can quickly return to a normal sexual life. The urologist, to whom we must go, often consults his diagnosis and further treatment with specialists in other fields. This often includes a psychologist, sexologist, cardiologist or neurologist.

How is erectile dysfunction treated?

Quickly identifying the cause of erectile dysfunction is so important precisely because of the need to choose the right treatment methods. The basic action is to determine whether the situation is reversible and the patient can regain full sexual performance

Treatment of dysfunction when the problem lies in other medical conditions

The situation is more obvious when erectile problems are caused by depression, vascular injuries or diseases whose course causes lower testosterone levels. Then one reaches for treatment methods that combat precisely these disease factors. So it may be psychotherapy, but also vascular reconstruction or testosterone therapy.

Pharmacological and surgical treatment

In situations where sexual performance can be restored, drug therapy with specialized preparations is also undertaken. As a last resort, surgery is also carried out, but this is a treatment for very difficult cases

It is advisable to visit a urologist early on. The PENTOR Institute for Public Opinion Research estimates that even 1.5 million Poles suffer from serious erection problems. The data are very pessimistic: only one third of men suffering from such problems visit a specialist. The problem is the low level of education about this type of disorder, but also the barrier of shame which unfairly prevents patients from admitting the problem, making a diagnosis and starting treatment. It is worth mentioning that 75% of men do not talk about it with their partners, which can later result in serious relationship problems

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