ED: causes, symptoms and prevention

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a disease that is characterized by the inability to achieve or keep an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse. Men who suffer from this disease cannot lead a full sex life. Previously, erectile dysfunction was also often called "impotence" but in modern medicine this term is no longer used because of the hidden condemnatory subtext.

In 2010, the World Health Organization released the disappointing numbers: 400 million men suffer from erectile dysfunction. And by 2025, experts predict that there will be 900 million men with the same diagnosis.

So is there a way to prevent the development of this disease? Before answering this question, you need to understand what causes erectile dysfunction. Many people mistakenly believe that erection problems are peculiar only to older men.

To contradict popular opinion, here is the risk statistics of ED:

• 27% of all the cases – men aged 20-40
• 48% of all the cases – men aged 40-50
• 53% of all the cases - men older than 50

And here are the symptoms that may indicate existing or upcoming erectile dysfunction:

• Weak erection when aroused or its complete absence
• Premature ejaculation
• Inability to finish sexual intercourse
• Absence of morning erection
• Loss of sexual desire
• High blood cholesterol levels

As for the causes of ED, sexologists say that men before 40 in 80% of the cases have the disease developed on the background of psychogenic factors. The reverse process happens in men over 40: organic erectile dysfunction occurs in 80% of cases.

To understand exactly what factors affect the development of erectile dysfunction, you need to have an idea of how an erection occurs. Let's briefly have a look at the 2 factors underlying it – psychogenic and reflex genital arousal.

Reflexive erection occurs when the penis is directly stimulated. As a result of touch or irritation, nitric oxide is released, the vessels of the penis relax and fill with blood.

Psychogenic erection occurs as a result of an erotic stimulus. The brain thinking is responsible for this process.

Factors that provoke the development of organic ED:

• Diabetes (ED develops in 55% of cases)
• Obesity
• Insulin resistance
• Thyroid disease
• Vascular diseases (for example, atherosclerosis)
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Diseases of the nervous system (including spinal cord injuries)

Factors that provoke the development of psychogenic ED:

• Stress, depression (in 90% of cases)
• Neuroses (acute and chronic)
• Past sex failures
• Misunderstandings and miscommunications on the part of the partner
• Alcohol abuse
• Drug use
• Smoking (risk of ED 56%)

All the factors mentioned above are closely interrelated, which is why it is very difficult to identify the true cause of the disorders. It is important to remember that the manifestations of ED in men precisely indicate the presence of other serious diseases.

And now it's time to talk about the measures that every man can take to prevent the occurrence of erectile dysfunction:

• Exercise regularly
• Monitor your body weight
• Give up bad habits
• Eat healthy
• Reduce the impact of stress on your life to minimum
• Have a session with a psychologist if you are constantly worried or afraid of something
• Go through a full medical checkup every year

Therefore, every man, regardless of age and social status, can face such an unpleasant ailment as erectile dysfunction. With timely diagnosis and treatment chosen correctly, this disease, like many other ones, can be cured. But keep in mind that any disease is easier to avoid than to treat. So, follow our recommendations: lead a healthy lifestyle, keep up with physical activity, give up alcohol and cigarettes, and, of course, do not neglect regular scheduled full physical examinations.