Are your erections, or rather, lack thereof, causing disappointing nights for you? We’ve got you covered! Here’s a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about erectile dysfunction.
What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED), sometimes known as impotence, refers to the inability to get or sustain an erection that is firm enough for sex. It is one of the most common sexual problems that men encounter. In fact, a study published by the Singapore Medical Journal has revealed that among Singaporean men above the age of 30, about 1 in 2 of them have had ED at some point in their lives.
Symptoms of erectile dysfunction
If your penis fails to perk up very occasionally, chances are it is completely normal, especially if you’re recently feeling a little stressed out. However, if you routinely have difficulty getting or maintaining your erection, you might want to get it checked out – it may be ED. Some men also find themselves losing interest in sexual activities or having lower self-esteem about their erections. These psychological factors may ultimately result in ED.
The mechanics of erectile dysfunction
Imagine someone filling up a balloon with water. The balloon expands in size and becomes more turgid. Likewise, when a man is sexually aroused, your brain sends signals which cause blood to flow into your penis. Blood fills up spongy tissues, known as corpora cavernosa, causing the penis to become more rigid.
Now, imagine if the tap that you are using to fill the balloon is faulty. Water flows out so slowly that there isn’t enough force to stretch and fill up the balloon. That’s exactly how ED works. When blood flow to your penis is blocked or slowed down, your penis remains flaccid. Other causes of ED may be a disruption in brain signals arising from depression, anxiety or stress.
Causes of erectile dysfunction
You might have heard that ED is “all in your head”. For many years, experts believed that emotional and psychological problems were the sole causes of ED. Well, this is partially correct and partially wrong. Here’s the truth – ED can be caused by a multitude of factors, including emotional, physical, lifestyle factors and many more.
Psychological and emotional causes of erectile dysfunction
Your brain plays a key role in a good erection. It is responsible for feelings of sexual excitement, as well as transmitting nerve signals to allow blood flow to your penis. The common psychological culprits of poor erection include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Low self-esteem
- Guilt
- Performance anxiety
- Relationship conflicts
Physical causes of erectile dysfunction
Contrary to popular beliefs, ED is not “all in your head”. Any chronic disease that decreases blood flow can result in ED. If you have any chronic diseases, it is important to keep it under control. Common diseases include:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
Besides those mentioned above, there are also other less common, albeit more serious diseases that can contribute to ED. These include:
- Hormonal imbalance
- Parkinson’s disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH)
Does old age cause erectile dysfunction?
Is age just a number in the onset and progression of ED? Well, maybe, maybe not. Although ED becomes more common with age, growing old does not always cause ED. Some men remain sexually functional, even in their 80s. On the other hand, younger men, including teenagers, can have ED due to their lifestyle factors such as drinking, smoking and overall health.
Treatments for erectile dysfunction
Depending on what caused your ED, you may be recommended for different treatment options. Most ED pills belong to a class of medication known as “phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors)”. To put their mechanism of action in simple terms, these pills cause your blood vessels to relax, increasing the blood flow to the penis.
Different pills follow different treatment schedules. Generally, ED pills can be categorised into two groups: the as-needed pills and the daily pills.
As-needed pills
These pills are taken prior to any sexual activity. They are recommended for men who are able to predict when they have sex or men who do not wish to take pills daily.
- Viagra® (Sildenafil), also known as the blue pill. These pills have a long history and were the first FDA-approved oral treatment for ED.
- Generic Sildenafil. These pills contain the same ingredient and work exactly the same as its branded option, Viagra®. In comparison with Viagra®, generic sildenafil is much more affordable and wouldn’t burn a hole in your wallet. Generic sildenafil is also the most popular treatment option at Arx.
- Spedra® (Avanafil). These pills are great for men who prefer spontaneity. They are fast-acting and are effective just 15 minutes after taking them.
- Cialis® (Tadalafil)*. These pills are long-lasting and are effective for up to 36 hours after taking them.
- Levitra® (Vardenafil). These pills are the branded alternatives to Viagra®, the blue pill.
Daily pills
These ED pills are to be taken every day. They work best for men who don’t like to plan ahead and want to be ready around the clock.
- Cialis® (Tadalafil)*. These pills are for daily use and provide greater flexibility in terms of sexual activity schedule.
*Cialis® (Tadalafil) may come in the form of both as-needed pills or daily pills, depending on the strength of the pills.
Other treatment options
Other options include testosterone therapy if you have low testosterone, penile injections, vacuum erection devices, intraurethral medications, penile implants or even surgery.
Lifestyle changes for better performance
Keeping a healthy lifestyle not only boosts your overall health, but also your sexual health. Here are some tips that you can follow:
- Keep a heart-healthy diet: A poor diet that is full of fats and sugars can lead to clogged arteries, diabetes and heart disease, which eventually spirals into ED. Reduce fats and sugars while incorporating more vegetables and fruits into your diet.
- Stay within your healthy weight range: If you are overweight, it’s best that you shake off that excess weight.
- Exercise regularly: Not only does exercise promote blood circulation, it is also amazing at alleviating stress. In short, exercise targets both root causes of ED. Having 30 minutes of exercise for at least 5 days a week is bound to boost your health and energy, both in and out of the bedroom.
- Quit smoking and drinking: As both smoking and drinking increases your risk of ED, we recommend that you sever your ties with them. Trust us, your body and penis will thank you.
Finding the best treatment for erectile dysfunction
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for ED. To choose the best treatment option for yourself, take into account your lifestyle, preferences, medical history and affordability. If you’re experiencing ED, it’s a good idea to speak to a doctor at Arx. They’ll help you find the solution that’s right for you, and potentially catch other health problems before they become severe.
References
- Tan, J. K., Hong, C. Y., Png, D. J., Liew, L. C., & Wong, M. L. (2003). Erectile dysfunction in Singapore: prevalence and its associated factors – a population-based study. Singapore medical journal, 44(1), 20–26.
- Lakin, M., & Wood, H. (2018, June). Erectile Dysfunction. https://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/medicalpubs/diseasemanagement/endocrinology/erectile-dysfunction/.
- Urology Care Foundation. (n.d.). Erectile Dysfunction (ED). Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment. https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/e/erectile-dysfunction-(ed).
- Bandukwala, N. Q. (2019, June 10). A Visual Guide to Erectile Dysfunction. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/erectile-dysfunction/ss/erectile-dysfunction.
- Santos-Longhurst, A. (2017, December 29). Lifestyle Changes and Natural Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/type-2-diabetes-lifestyle-factors-and-erectile-dysfunction.