Erectile dysfunction: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment

Erectile dysfunction is the difficulty in having or maintaining an erection that allows satisfactory sexual intercourse. This condition can occur in men of any age and is often related to habits such as drug use, smoking and excessive stress.

Although erectile dysfunction, also known as male impotence, is often related to aging, many older men have never had erection problems and, therefore, age is only considered a risk factor and is not necessarily a cause.

To diagnose erectile dysfunction, it is very important to consult a urologist, who will evaluate the man’s health history and order some tests. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, treatment begins, which may vary from one man to another, but generally includes the use of some medications, such as Sildenafil or Alprostadil, as well as psychological support.

Main symptoms

The main symptoms of erectile dysfunction are:

• Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection;
• Less rigid and flaccid erection;
• Greater need for concentration and time to achieve an erection;
• Reduced sexual interest;
• Rapid or premature ejaculation.

Furthermore, there are cases in which a man is able to have an erection, but not during sexual intercourse and, therefore, although he is able to have an erection, it could mean that he is suffering from erectile dysfunction.

The diagnosis of erectile dysfunction must be made by a urologist based on the signs and symptoms presented by the person. Furthermore, at the time of the evaluation, the doctor must take into account clinical, sexual and psychological history so that he can reach a diagnostic conclusion.

The urologist may also request laboratory tests to check whether erectile dysfunction may be related to hormonal changes.

Main causes of erectile dysfunction

The main causes of erectile dysfunction are:

• Drug’s use;
• Alcoholism;
• Obesity;
• Excessive use of certain medications such as antihypertensives, antidepressants and antipsychotics, for example;
• Psychological problems such as depression, trauma, fear, dissatisfaction or decreased libido;

Furthermore, some chronic diseases, such as kidney failure or diabetes, can also affect blood circulation and facilitate the onset of erectile dysfunction. Check out a list of the main causes of erectile dysfunction.

How the treatment is carried out

Erectile dysfunction can be treated in different ways, as treatment depends on the cause, however, some of the most commonly used treatment options include:

• Medicines such as sildenafil, tadalafil or vardenafil;
• Hormone replacement therapy in capsules, patches or injections that increase testosterone levels and facilitate testosterone;
• Use of vacuum devices which promote erection and are especially recommended for men who cannot undergo treatment with medication;
• Surgery for implantation of prostheses penile devices that are only used as a last resort only when all other treatments have been unsuccessful.

In addition to the treatments mentioned, counseling with a psychologist or psychiatrist and couples therapy are also very important, as they help to treat other problems, fears and insecurities that may exist and that are also contributing to the problem. Psychotherapy is also indicated in these cases to help treat stress, anxiety and depression. Learn more about treating erectile dysfunction.