We have had it for a long time, but we do not tell anyone. When I had my first erectile dysfunction, we thought it was temporary, but no. It happened again and again, and we could not find a solution. If you are going through this… Calm down! You are not the only one. Erection problems are more common than you may think. Talking to your doctor is the best decision.
What is erectile dysfunction?
It is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection with enough firmness to have satisfactory sex. It is one of the most common sexual problems in men. In fact, according to the Spanish Association of Andrology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine (ASESA), in Spain, 10% of men suffer from it and the percentage increases to 30% in men aged 40 to 70 years.
It is normal if this has ever happened to you. We can all be nervous or tired, but if erectile dysfunction becomes a persistent problem, it can generate depression and affect the relationship. It may even be a sign that something is not working well in your heart.
Basically, an erection occurs because the penis fills with blood due to excitement. If there are difficulties in the blood supply, then there won’t be any erection.
What causes it?
It is a combination of physical and psychological problems.
Physical causes
- Diabetes, hypertension, obesity and high cholesterol
- Alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse
- Intake of some medications (for example, some that treat depression)
- Heart disease or Atherosclerosis
- Neurological disorders
- Peyronie’s disease: scar tissue inside the penis
- Complications due to prostate surgery
Psychological causes
The brain plays an important role in the activation of the mechanisms that cause the erection. Therefore, some situations can cause a lack of erection:
- Depression, anxiety or other mental disorders
- Stress
- Obsession after one’s first erectile dysfunction
When should I go to the doctor?
You should consult a doctor if the erectile dysfunctioning lasts for more than three months. Do not hide any information. Many men go through the same thing and there is a solution.
What treatment can I try?
The first thing to do is to understand that your erection problem is nothing to be ashamed of and it does not make you any less of a man. It is essential to talk with your partner for support.
On the other hand, there are drugs to help you get an erection. For example, the drug sildenafil (the famous blue pill) is one of them. In addition, there are creams that are applied inside the urethra through the hole of the penis. Other alternatives are injections, vacuum constriction devices, or even prostheses in extreme cases. Your doctor will assess which is the most appropriate in your case and will make a preliminary study to ensure that you do not have any contraindications.
When the dysfunction is psychological, psychosexual therapy is an option for you and your partner.
You can also work on having healthy habits such as staying fit, exercising, not smoking and avoiding alcohol abuse to improve your erections.
Whatever solution your doctor gives you, do not forget that with a lot of the pills, you will get quite excited in the sexual game… enjoy your life as a couple!
*Content validated by the mediQuo medical team.
