Erectile dysfunction is where a man is constantly having difficulty gaining and sustaining an erection. This then causes him to have difficulties performing sexual intercourse.



One in ten men have continuous problems with erections throughout their life. Most men have problems gaining an erection now and then, the reason for this is usually: stress related, excessive drinking of alcahol, tiredness or because they're not in the mood.

This is usually nothing to worry about, as it is a temporary problem, which can usually be easily solved.

Men who continuously find themselves not being able to get or sustain an erection, will undoubtedly have problems carrying out their normal sexual activities. This usually leads to disruption of a relationship, anxiety and depression.

What are the symptoms?

The most obvious symptom is not being able to gain an erection, even whilst you are within a sexual situation. If you find yourself not getting an erection when you normally would, such as watching a film that depicts or shows sexual activity or whilst performing sexual intercourse with your partner.

On the other hand if you can get an erection, but it doesn't last long enough for you to be able to perform sexual intercourse or is not hard enough, this is also a symptom.

If you have occasional erection problems, this does not necaserily mean you have erectile dysfunction. This only becomes a problem when a man has recurring problems getting an erection, and it begins to interfere with your normal sexual activities and relationship.

In many cases erectile dysfunction is caused by psychological problems, which will make the problem worse if you get stressed or argue about it. This is a vicious circle and is the reason men who have problems must approach erectile dysfunction sensitively.

What are the causes of erectile dysfunction?

Erectile Dysfunction can be caused by physical and psychological problems, and it is quite often caused by both.

The physical causes

Let's first look at how an erection actually happens. An erection is caused by blood being allowed to enter the spongy tissue of the penis, which also stops the blood from exiting the penis. Problems which affect the veins, arteries and nerves will alter the ability to gain an erection.

The causes for this can be:

Medicines such as anti-depressants and drugs for high blood pressure (such as ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers)

Alcohol, smoking, and taking illegal drugs

Conditions that affect the nerves or blood supply, such as multiple sclerosis or a stroke

Diabetes, which can sometimes cause a problem with the nervous system

Blood vessel conditions such as blocked arteries (for example, caused by high cholesterol levels)

Hormonal conditions, such as not having enough testosterone in your body, or having too much of another hormone called prolactin

Conditions affecting the erectile tissue of the penis, such as prostate cancer

Serious long-term conditions such as kidney or liver failure

Older men suffering from erectile dysfunction are much more at risk of having other problems which can cause this such as diabetes or heart disease.

Psychological causes

Psychological problems play a big part in causing erectile dysfunction, the psychological factors can be:

Depression

Stress or anxiety

Sexual identity or relationship problems

Diagnosis

The first thing you should do if you think you have erection problems is to speak to your local doctor. They are very understanding and sensitive and will get to the root cause of your erectile dysfunction problems.

There are other products for sale that you can buy without prescription that treat Erectile Dysfunction, but you should be very careful. These are often not proven, and cannot guarantee to stop your erectile dysfuntion problems.

Conclusion

If you think you may have Erectile Dysfunction problems, which are affecting your sex life and relationship and are making you stressed or anxious, you should first visit your local doctor to diagnose the underlying cause of your problem.

I don't recommend buying other products until you have first identified the causes. After all, your problem may be due to a small psychological cause which can be altered by yourself without any cost, or prescription drug.