Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex. ED affects as many as 30 million men in the United States.
ED can be caused by many factors, including:
- Aging - As men get older, erections may take longer to develop and may not be as firm. Between the ages of 40 and 70, men have a 50-50 chance of having ED.
- Medical conditions - Erectile dysfunction can be an early warning sign of heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes. ED is also more common among men who have a history of heart disease, diabetes, depression, and prostate cancer.
- Medications - Many prescription drugs can cause ED, including blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, and tranquilizers. Men who take oral erectile dysfunction medicines, such as Viagra or Cialis, should not take alpha-blockers, as they can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure.
- Lifestyle choices - Obesity, smoking, heavy drinking, and lack of exercise can contribute to ED. Bicycling for many hours can increase pressure on the nerves and blood vessels of the penis. This pressure can decrease blood flow into the penis and cause temporary ED.
- Injuries and surgery - Injuries to the pelvis, bladder, spinal cord, and penis that require surgery can cause ED. Surgery to treat prostate or bladder cancer can also damage nerves and blood vessels involved in erections.
The good news?
Erectile dysfunction is treatable at any age. Lifestyle changes like exercising, losing extra weight, limiting alcohol, and quitting smoking can help. There are also oral medications like Viagra,
Cialis, and Levitra that improve blood flow to the penis. Hormone replacement and
testosterone supplements from clinics like
Renew Medical Clinic can increase libido and improve erections. In extreme cases, a penile implant can restore sexual function.
The first step is to see your doctor to identify any underlying causes. Don't lose hope - open and honest communication with your partner and trying different treatment options can help you enjoy a healthy sex life again.
Could erectile dysfunction be impacting your relationship? Ask your doctor if Renew Medical Clinic optimization therapy is right for you.