Causes of Erectile Dysfunction and How to Help Your Partner Cope with the Problem

Nothing rubs into a man’s ego negatively, like the inability to have and sustain an erection throughout sexual intercourse. Though you are likely to experience dysfunction during stressful occasions, frequent episodes can make you worried, forcing you to seek professional help. Michael Rotman, MD, is a Murray Hill urologist specializing in helping you relive and enjoy your sexual life, thanks to his customized treatment plans. ED results from various issues, most of which are emotional or physical.

What are the likely causes of ED?

Though ED gets common with age, aging might not always be the cause of an ED. Some men function sexually even in their 70s. Sometimes, the dysfunction might be a sign of a different ailment like diabetes. ED results from various physical and emotional causes including:

•         Hormonal imbalance
•         Cardiovascular ailments
•         Obesity
•         Stress
•         Anxiety
•         Depression

How should you cope with your partner’s erectile dysfunction?

Sexual issues affect both parties in a relationship. ED is not something your partner should battle with alone when you can get help together as a team. The more you orient yourself with your partner’s dysfunction, the better it will be for you to help him deal with the problem. To enable you to talk about ED with your partner, you should know a few things about the condition.

•         Erectile dysfunction is a common occurrence in men. Though the dysfunction might happen at any age, a significant percentage of men over 50 years of age experiences ED at some point in life.
•         The dysfunction is not a part of aging. Older men are likely to experience ED because they may lack the ability to sustain quality erections; however, stimulation can help them have exciting sex lives.
•         Erectile dysfunction has a solution. Treatment options to manage ED are not only available but also efficient. The options your doctor is likely to recommend include prescription medications, injections, sexual devices, sex therapy, and surgery.

Why are you likely to have erectile dysfunction?

Though it is not unusual for a man to experience erection issues,  progressive ED happens every time, affecting your sexual life, ceasing to be normal. As a result, you might need to contact your doctor for professional help. You will most likely have ED when:

•         The blood flowing through your penis is minimal
•         You have stress or other emotional concerns
•         As an indication of a severe underlying condition like high blood pressure, heart disease, and atherosclerosis

However, knowing the source of your ED might help your doctor deal with the issue effectively and enhance your overall quality of life.

How does an erection work?

An erection results from an increase in blood flow inside your penis. The blood flow mainly happens due to having sexual thoughts and direct contact.

During arousal, your penile muscles relax, allowing blood to flow through the arteries in your penis.  As a result, blood fills your erection chambers, forcing your penis to grow rigid. The erection will end when your muscles contract, causing the blood inside your erection chambers to flow out of your penis through the veins.

Age is a common contributing factor to ED. However, that does not mean that only older adults are susceptible. Book an appointment today with your urologist to learn more about erectile dysfunction and the available treatment plans to help you enjoy your sexual life.