Erectile dysfunction, more commonly referred to as ED, is defined as the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.
ED can also mean a total inability to achieve an erection, an inconsistent ability to do so and a lack of rigidity of the penis or a tendency to sustain only brief erections.
ED has long been associated as an issue prevalent only in older men, as the incidence of ED has thus far been recorded to correspond directly with an increase in age. It is increasingly being recognised however that ED is not a sign of ageing. It is usually linked to the various psychological and physical causes coupled with unhealthy lifestyle patterns such as smoking, consuming alcohol and substances, along with lack of exercise and unhealthy dietary habits. While many of the underlying causes of ED could begin developing with age, age itself does not cause ED. Which is why younger men need to take notice of this condition and equip themselves with the knowledge of overcoming and dealing with it from the get go.
Most people are often thrown off by the interchangeable use of the terms impotence and ED, and are often left to wonder about the disease association with each phrase. The word impotence is often thought to describe other sexual problems as well, including lack of sexual desire and problems with ejaculation or orgasm, whereas erectile dysfunction clearly dictates that the issue is with the ability to maintain an erection.
Before addressing the causes of ED, it is essential to first establish what goes on in a man when he develops an erection. This is a simple step-by-step explanation detailing the process:
- Once a man feels or sees something that is sexually stimulating, his brain sends out a signal that leads to the muscles in his penis to relax.
- This leads to the two tubes within the penis to fill up with blood, causing the penis to expand and harden.
- As the tubes expand, they press against the penis that moves blood out of the penis, ultimately blocking them – leading to an erection.
When a man is healthy and is not afflicted by any sexual or health issues, this process should be instantaneous, when there is a problem with the blood flow to the penis or a disruption to the nervous system however, then men should take the necessary precautions and measures to determine the cause of the problem.
ED can be caused by both physical and psychological factors, and at times is a combination of both these causes. A person with an underlying health problem could begin developing anxiety over his lack of erection and the combination of stress and his medical issue could further aggravate the ED.
Psychological factors which affect the onset of ED include stress, anxiety, depression, low self esteem, fear of sexual failure and relationship and marital issues, whereas physical factors of ED are often pinpointed to various lifestyle co-morbidities namely diabetes, heart disease and hypertension. ED has increasingly being recognised as a marker (or a sign) for clogged blood vessels or nerve damage from diabetes.
Libido (a person’s sex drive) also plays a part in having an effect on ED. When a man’s libido is reduced due to stress, anxiety, depression or changes in hormone levels, the brain is less likely to set off an erection, causing him to have difficulties in getting and keeping firm erections. These however are not the only causes and reasons behind the onset of ED.
Despite ED being a medical condition requiring treatment, most men, especially from the younger generation, shy away from seeking treatment because of the stigma associated with the condition, concern over the effects of the treatment along with the mindset that ED does not pose a serious problem to their health, amongst others. With a few simple steps however ED can be managed successfully, giving you the chance to lead a healthy and sexually satisfied life.
Discussing your problems with your doctor is the first step in the battle against ED. Once the doctor has diagnosed your condition, the next steps of your treatment will be painless! The mainstays in ED treatment are PDE-5 inhibitors, and after figuring out a health regiment suited to your body, your doctors will be able to detail out a treatment plan for you.
You need to realise that the wellness of your health is not one to be compromised. Implement measures to deal with your condition as soon as you and your partner sense a problem. In addition to seeking medical treatment, there are also added measures that you can take to prevent and reduce the severity of your ED. Lifestyle changes which include exercising, alcohol in moderation, maintaining a healthy diet can all affect your sexual health and overall health and wellbeing.
Take charge of your life and conquer erectile dysfunction to lead a satisfied, healthy and ‘hard’ life!
This article is supported by Pfizer (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd. For more information on ED, visit www.menshealth.com.my
Professor Dr George Lee
Consultant Urologist,
Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur
