Erectile dysfunction: The basics
Blood flow is the key to having healthy erections. Your neurological system causes your penis's soft tissue to relax when you're stimulated, allowing blood to flow in. The tissue of your penis holds the blood when it enters, maintaining its hardness as you engage in sex.
It is common to have problems with getting and maintaining an erection from time to time. However, if it happens too frequently and disrupts your sexual life, you might have a condition called erectile dysfunction (ED). In that case, here is what you might experience:
- You are unable to get an erection
- You get erections sometimes but not every time you want to engage in sexual activity
- You get an erection during sexual intercourse, but it does not last long enough for a satisfactory sexual experience
Is erectile dysfunction permanent?
Reversible factors include psychological issues, poor lifestyle choices, and medications that may be impacting how your penis functions. You might be able to reverse ED by addressing these underlying reasons. For instance, quitting or modifying the dosage of some drugs (under the direction of a healthcare practitioner) may enhance erectile function. Some of these medications include drugs to lower blood pressure, antidepressants, and sedatives.
Lifestyle plays a vital role in healthy penile function. Factors such as overconsumption of alcohol, obesity, poor diet, and lack of physical activity might cause ED. Changing these habits and adopting a healthy lifestyle can help you reverse the condition.
Last but not least, certain psychological factors can also lead to ED. ED has been connected to self-esteem problems, life or relationship pressures, and performance anxiety. Talking to a mental health professional about your psychological concerns can solve the problem and also help you live a more fulfilled life.
ED may be an early warning indication of more severe health illnesses, which, while not always reversible, are frequently curable. Hence, it is a good idea to consult your doctor ASAP to rule out any other health condition. Some medical issues linked to ED include:
- Hypertension
- Heart disease
- Peyronie’s disease
- Type-2 diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Chronic kidney diseases
What can you do to reverse erectile dysfunction?
There is no one-size-fits-all method to reverse erectile dysfunction because it might have various underlying reasons. Depending on the cause, you might be able to reverse your ED naturally with lifestyle modifications like eating a nutritious diet, giving up smoking, losing weight, and managing stress.
If a medicine is the source of your ED, switching medications or modifying your dosage can treat your symptoms. Don't attempt this on your own; discuss your concerns with your doctor to identify the best course of action. Other adjustments in your lifestyle could include watching less porn, as this could reverse your ED and enhance your sexual performance.
Other than these, anxiety over sexual performance, depression, challenges with self-esteem, and life pressures can all interfere with a man's ability to achieve an erection. Talk to your partner about any pressing issues in your life or your relationship that might be related to your ED. It's crucial to be honest about this if you want to involve your partner in the treatment process.
Even after making significant lifestyle adjustments and gains in overall health, you could occasionally still struggle to achieve or sustain an erection during foreplay and intercourse.
Consider using medication to treat your symptoms if it persists or if the treatments mentioned above aren't entirely successful. Schedule a consultation with our sexual health experts to determine the best treatment plan for you. Additionally, all your ED medications (if you are prescribed any) will be delivered discreetly to your doorstep by us as well!
Need help?
ED can hamper several areas of your life, such as your relationships, self-esteem, and confidence. We are here to remind you that ED is common, and with efforts in the right direction, you will be able to conquer it! Sexual Health largely remains stigmatised in our country, which is why having strong social support can help you battle your struggles. Join us at our welcoming and warm community, Cancel Stigma, where stories and people matter!
