Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is more common than you think, and if you are dealing with this condition, there is nothing to be ashamed of.
Affecting men all over the globe, it is not unfamiliar to see the signs or symptoms of this disorder as you age. Here is what every man must know—the ins and outs of this condition—so that you have the knowledge and tools you need to be prepared.
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Having trouble getting an erection here and there is not a concernable issue, and can be somewhat normal. It is when you see an increase in not being able to get or maintain an erection more than you can have one that should be concerning. Afterall, Erectile Dysfunction is characterized by the inability to get or keep an erection lengthy enough for sexual activity. As you can imagine, this affects your sex life and other areas of your life as well when it happens consistently. When you cannot keep an erection, it can be impossible to have sexual intercourse.
Not only is this a physical characteristic, but dysfunction can also have negative mental and emotional side effects for the individual and their significant other as well. This common issue is found in men worldwide ranging from 3% to 75% of the population. Erectile Dysfunction probability can feel worrisome and maybe even embarrassing to talk about. Don’t shy away from getting the help you need if you feel this disorder might be affecting your life. There are many avenues of support and treatment you can find to help you get back to feeling more like yourself.
How Common is Erectile Dysfunction?
It is fairly common to have this condition. In the U.S, over 30 million men have been diagnosed, and many more most likely have gone undiagnosed. It is more prominent as age progresses, although not in every case. In a study performed by the Journal of Sexual Medicine, it was found that this condition affected 26% of men below the age of 40.
What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?
It can be caused by a myriad of factors. These factors can be anxiety, diabetes, high cholesterol, relationship issues, lack of sleep, drug use, MS or Parkinson’s Disease, Alcohol abuse, increased age, kidney disease, and stress. You can imagine that within the last year, stress and anxiety for individuals all over the world has increased to insurmountable levels due to COVID-19. It is no puzzle then to assume that characteristics and symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction have become more common. If you find yourself in this category, know you are not alone. Make an appointment to talk with a specialist who can help you on the path to recovery.
Risk Factors for Erectile Dysfunction
As discussed previously, age is a leading risk factor for this condition. The older our bodies grow and mature, the lower our testosterone levels can drop. Among age, diabetes is also a risk factor for developing this disorder. Diabetes has its own set of characteristics: two of them being nerve damage and poor circulation which can both affect sexual health. Obesity, poor activity levels, high blood pressure, depression, cardiovascular disease, and drug use are also risk factors for developing this type of condition.
What Are the Characteristics of Erectile Dysfunction?
Generally, if you have Erectile Dysfunction, you might experience the lack of an erection as the main symptom. You might also start to notice decline in sexual libido, depression or depressive symptoms, anxiety, stress, and relationship affects. Experiencing a lack of an erection is not uncommon, but if it happens more than half of your sexual encounters, it may be time to talk to your doctor about all the possibilities.
How Do I Get Tested for Erectile Dysfunction?
If you find that you have symptoms of this condition, the next step is to meet with a doctor. They can usually refer you to a specialist who can also aid in treatment. Your doctor may first schedule a physical exam and questionnaire for you before they order a round of blood tests to get the process started.
When talking to your doctor, they may ask you questions about your personal history, and sexual history. You will discuss how long you have experienced the symptoms of ED, how often you have sex, your current stress level, your current relationship experience, any medications you may be taking, or if you have had an injury or surgery on or around your private area. Once you get your blood test results back and have talked over the findings of your questionnaire, you will be able to choose the right path of recovery for you with the help of professionals in the field.
What Can I Do to Combat Erectile Dysfunction?
When thinking about what you can do to prevent or combat this condition in your life, think about the risk factors. What can you do to stop or reverse these? This may look like changing lifestyle habits. Starting to eat better and include a variety of fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and protein into your diet daily. If you are an avid smoker, start working towards breaking the habit. Get more sleep and be more intentional with taking care of your mental health, which can result in reduced stress and anxiety.
Pick up a consistent exercise routine and start working out 3-5 times per week for 30 minutes each time. Make time to do what you love in a hobby or in forming new relationships that are fulfilling and uplifting. You can also try strengthening your pelvic floor muscles with certain exercises to reduce the symptoms of ED. To do this you will need to be able to identify the muscles associated with your pelvic floor. Go to the bathroom and begin to urinate. Before you are finished, stop the stream of urine. The muscles you use to do this are the pelvic floor muscles. To exercise these muscles, you will contract them for 3 seconds and release them. Repeat this 10-20 times: morning, noon, and night.
What Are the Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction?
The treatment modalities for this condition can vary. There are prescription medications that can be prescribed by your doctor, as well as topical creams you can apply to your penis to for treatment of ED or even surgery. Radial Wave Therapy and Focused Shockwave Therapy are also remedies that have been shown to help improve the symptoms of this condition. Aside from these medically given treatments, changing less than satisfactory eating and exercise habits can improve symptoms of ED.
Focused Shock Wave Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction
Focused Shock Wave Therapy is a modality used to treat ED that is fairly new. It is best used for men who suffer from Vasculogenic Erectile Dysfunction. This form of treatment uses high energy sound waves to quicken tissue repair and boost cell growth. To undergo Focused Shock Wave Therapy, you do not need to expect anything invasive. There is no anesthesia involved or needed. Using a wand shaped device, your doctor will place it over different areas of the penis at 15 minute increments. During this process, the wand is working by emitting pulsing vibrations that help to trigger blood flow and increased tissue remodeling.
Radial Wave Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction
Radial Wave Therapy can also be termed Energy Wave Therapy. This modality is also used to treat symptoms of ED. Using sound waves, this therapy will improve blood flow through the penis. When you have this procedure done, your doctor will use a Radial Wave Wand Device.
This device emits low intensity energy sound waves. Your doctor will use the wanted to deliver five points of contact which will follow at 3 locations on top of the shaft of the penis and 2 below the shaft of the penis. As the sound waves pass through the skin and through the shaft of the penis, blood vessels are promoted to grow and blood flow improves. Generally, there is more therapy needed after the initial appointment. To continue to see progress, appointments need to be scheduled out for 6 treatments over a period of 6 weeks. Each appointment is expected to be less than 30 minutes.
Visit Genesys Men’s Health for Your Treatment Needs
At Genesys Men’s Health, we have the knowledge and expertise to help you find answers you need to feel like yourself again. We specialize in treating disorders like Erectile Dysfunction or low testosterone, among many other ailments.
To find out more information, feel free to take our self test on our website at www.genesysmenshealth.com or click here to access the ED Self test to find answers specific to your situation and needs. This is a 5 question test that will be able to give you direction on the care and help you want. If you have other questions, you can visit our office in Sandy, Utah, or give us a call at (801)-671-7456 and one of our friendly staff members will happily assist you. Contact us today!