For some men, Erectile Dysfunction is not something they experience in their lifetime. For others, they may develop it between their 20s and 70s.
It can be different for everyone. Here is what you need to know and the warning signs to look for so that you can be proactive about your sexual health. Erectile Dysfunction can be treated, and at Genesys Men’s Health, we have all of the resources to get you back on track and feeling like yourself again.
What Is ED?
Oxford Dictionary defines Erectile Dysfunction as the inability of a man to maintain an erection sufficient for satisfying sexual activity. This disorder can develop between the ages of 20 to well into your adult years, such as 70 and forward.
How Common Is ED?
Unless you have ED, you probably don’t give it a thought during your day. For those who do have it, you are not alone. Up to 76.5% of men around the globe live with Erectile Dysfunction every day.
Warning Signs of ED
You might consider the possibility of having ED if you have some new or worsening symptoms that might be worrisome. Some symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction are the inability to get and keep an erection, exhaustion, and loss of interest in sexual activity. It is not uncommon to have failed erections a few times in your life. According to the Cleveland Clinic, around 20% of the time, having failed erections is considered normal. When it starts to happen more than half of your sexual encounters, that is when it would be time to see a doctor.
What Are Causes of ED?
The main cause for the onset of this disorder is mother nature herself: age. You can’t control the aging process, unfortunately. But you can influence HOW you age and what happens along the way. Lifestyle is a large contributor to the chances of you developing Erectile Dysfunction. Things you do every day can be leading you to or away from this disorder. Some common causes of ED are:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Relationship Issues
- Sleep deprivation
- Certain prescription medication
- Diet high in processed foods
- Drug use
- Alcohol use
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Obesity
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Age
- Kidney Disease
- Low Testosterone
- Depression
- Pelvic injury
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinson’s Disease
- High blood pressure
Take a minute and make a check by every symptom you may be experiencing. If the results are concerning, make an appointment and get checked out.
Working with Your Partner
It can be a vicious cycle. You have relationship stress which contributes to your Erectile Dysfunction, but having the disorder creates stress on your relationship and you are back in the same boat. So how do you keep your relationship thriving while dealing with ED? Here are our tips:
- Keep open communication.
- Be vulnerable and take turns sharing your feelings and concerns about ED.
- Vocally offer to support each other.
- Make time to connect.
- If needed, consult a therapist or counselor.
Erectile Dysfunction does not have to mean doom in your relationship. There is no reason you cannot have the relationship you desire while getting help for your ED.
How Can I Positively Affect My Chances of Not Developing ED?
The answer to this question is simple. Take care of yourself. Now that can look different for different people, but essentially, it has the same core factors.
- Nutrition
Nutrition is one of the most severely underrated and under used tools you can use to better your life. Unless you were a part of a nutrition class in school or had parents who taught you the importance of eating nutritious food, you aren’t fully equipped with the knowledge needed to live a healthy lifestyle. For most Americans, that is the case. It can be due to income level, parental careers, and other factors, but that is a topic for another day. Here is what you can do now. Educate yourself on nutritious food and how it affects your body. When you know better, you do better. Here are 5 ways to jumpstart your nutrition:
- Include protein at each meal.
- Drink 100 oz. of water each day.
- Eat vegetables at each meal.
- Take a vitamin supplement.
- Limit sugar intake.
- Exercise
This topic can tie in with mental health as well. Exercise releases happy hormones that boost mood. Aside from this positive effect, exercise keeps you young. Here are 5 benefits of consistent exercise:
- Increased happy mood.
- Better circulation.
- Decreased chance of developing chronic illness.
- Healthy heart.
- Increased bone strength.
The CDC suggests Americans get 150 minutes of aerobic exercise each week. In addition to this suggestion, it is advised to add in at least 2 days of strength training per week for added benefits.
- Mental Health
Mental health is a huge factor in your overall well-being. So much of what is in your head affects so much of what is outside of it. Mental health is also not recognized in society as it should be. With so many factors of life weighing on our mental health, this is a definite change needed to happen for individuals to live more well. Here are 5 ways to address your mental health and improve your symptoms of ED:
- Cultivate relationships that are enriching.
- Set boundaries with work and home life.
- Set an appointment with a therapist.
- Exercise regularly.
- Prioritize rest.
Putting your mental health first will be of great importance in healing from ED.
Visit Genesys Men’s Health for Your Erectile Dysfunction Needs
At Genesys Men’s Health, we care about your health. We have the resources and tools to help treat your Erectile Dysfunction. You will find a team of intelligent staff who are trained in treatments for ED. You can also check out our free resources on our website at genesysmenshealth.com. Our office is located in Sandy, Utah. Come on in or give us a call at (801)-671-7456. Contact us today!