There are several different factors, ranging from



the physical to the emotional that should be worked on and understood even if

you don't yet have ED, both because it can aid the prevention and because they

promote an overall healthy lifestyle.

Furthermore, the different reasons behind

erectile dysfunction can range from the severe and unusual, to common lifestyle

choices and experiences, even for those without ED. These factors also have a

tendency to play off of one another, so that it can be difficult to determine

the exact source of, or risk factors for, your own unique case of erectile

dysfunction.

There are numerous resources out there to help you learn more

about ED, and seek out the best treatments. Doctors, specialists, informational

websites, and even online pharmacies like prescription.md

have all sorts of useful information for the man with ED. This article will

help you learn more, so that you can begin your search armed with knowledge.

Male sexuality is, at its core, both a physical and a mental

process. What erectile dysfunction does, is that it inhibits the man's ability

to get and sustain an erection. Erections are caused by an increased blood flow

to the penis and, similarly, ED most often manifests as a physical ailment that

impairs the flow of blood and renders the penis unable to grow or hold its

aroused state. Potential risk factors for erectile dysfunction can include

anything from high blood pressure and heart disease, to something as normal as

aging. Past age 65, ED can affect up to 80% of men. Furthermore, other factors

that often accompany aging can also cause ED.

The most common being

hypertension and cardiovascular disease , which, among other dangerous

symptoms, cause the blood vessels to narrow, potentially impeding blood flow to

the penis, which can cause erectile dysfunction. One positive aspect of this;

many doctors can use ED as an early warning sign to identify these potentially

life threatening conditions before they do serious harm.

Several other conditions can cause or exacerbate ED.

Diabetes can damage the blood vessels along the penis, leading to erectile

dysfunction and, in addition, poor blood sugar control leads to a decrease in

the production of nitric oxide, a chemical compound that plays an important

role in erections, and whose absence can lead to ED. Low testosterone may also

lead to erectile dysfunction, as well as spinal injury, invasive surgery, or

unhealthy dietary and drinking habits. The medications for any of the above

problems, especially hypertension or prostate cancer, can have ED as a possible

side effect.

Essentially, any ailment that causes nerve damage, blocks or

narrows blood vessels, or changes in blood pressure may lead to erectile dysfunction.

Talk to your doctor if you suffer from one or more of these conditions, or if

you have exhibited symptoms of ED and believe it may be caused by one of these

physical difficulties. Remember, there are a wide range of medications

available, and proper research is important in choosing the right one. Whether

you purchase them through online pharmacies like prescription.md,

or receive them through your doctor, your best bet is to know everything there

is to know about your body's unique chemistry before you act.

Beyond the simply physical, several psychological and

lifestyle choices can lead to erectile dysfunction. Difficulties such as stress

or depression can lead to ED, the anxiety and the loss of confidence that stems

from these conditions can manifest itself in the bedroom, leading to increasing

difficulties in maintaining an erection in a way that is very similar to

erectile dysfunction. Even persistent negativity, some doctors say, can result

in ED. Furthermore, certain unhealthy lifestyle choices may feed into both

erectile dysfunction, as well as the aforementioned physical and psychological

causes. Excessive drinking may weaken the nervous system or exacerbate

depression, smoking can increase blood pressure, and obesity leads to a wide

range of physical and psychological side effects. All of these can potentially

cause erectile dysfunction and lead to a less happy and fulfilling sex life.

Here are some changes you can make to your lifestyle to help prevent or treat

erectile dysfunction.

Exercise and diet: Working out three to five hours a week can reduce the risk of ED by

over 30%. Furthermore, regular exercise helps the cardiovascular system, which

eases the bloodflow to the penis, which can make erections come more easily and

possibly last longer. Combined with a good diet, where you control your fat and

sugar intake, you'll find that your overall cardiovascular health may increase

even as the likeliness of ED decreases. The confidence brought on by a

successful workout routine can't hurt either!

Smoking and drinking: Limit the intake of alcohol and cigarettes. Smoking can make men

as much as twenty six times more likely to develop erectile dysfunction.

Quitting can not only fight ED, but will also reduce the risk of heart disease

and other medical problems that, on top of causing erectile dysfunction, can

lead to serious health risk. Drinking too, if done to excess can lead to

difficulties sustaining an erection, and limiting your intake of alcohol

reduces the risk of ED.

Keep a healthy mind: Regular visits to a therapist, or other methods of treating

stress and depression will help fight ED. Stress leads to changes in blood

pressure, which may cause erectile dysfunction, and proper relaxation

techniques such as therapy, meditation or whatever best suits your own needs,

will go a long way to limit stress and reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction.

Finally, don't forget to keep in contact with your doctor,

and make regular check ups. Self diagnosis helps for the initial assessment of

ED, but to truly get to the root of your problem you'll need to consult a

professional who is trained to see all of the factors, and pinpoint how each

cause feeds into your unique case of erectile dysfunction. This is also the

best way to know the best methods of treatment, which medications you can and

should take, and what lifestyle changes need to be made to live a healthier,

happier life free of ED.

Useful Links:

http://www.prescription.md