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Viagra is a drug approved to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It works by increasing blood flow to your penis.
It’s part of a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. PDE5 breaks down a chemical called cyclic GMP, which relaxes and widens certain blood vessels in your penis.
What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
There are many reasons a man may have trouble getting and keeping an erection for sexual activity. Having an occasional problem is not uncommon, but if this problem happens regularly or is causing you to lose your self-esteem or relationships, it’s time to talk to your doctor.
There are different types of ED, each with a specific cause that can be treated. There are also several factors that can affect a man’s ability to maintain an erection, including age, health, and lifestyle habits.
In most cases, ED is a physical problem that has to do with the blood flow to the penis. This can be due to hardened arteries or heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes. In other cases, a man might have nerve damage that makes it hard for his body to send the right signals to his penis.
Having erectile dysfunction can lead to feelings of shame and embarrassment, as well as stress, anxiety, and depression. Fortunately, many of these symptoms can be controlled with medication and other direct treatments.
To determine the cause of erectile dysfunction, your doctor will perform an evaluation, including asking questions about your medical history and sexual performance. This information will help your doctor determine whether the problem is physical or psychological and decide on a treatment plan.
If your doctor finds a physical reason for erectile dysfunction, they can prescribe medications that improve the blood flow to your penis. These include tadalafil, sildenafil, and vardenafil. They are used in combination with testosterone, which is a hormone that helps you get an erection.
Another common treatment is a semi-rigid penile prosthesis. This device consists of two semi-rigid but bendable rods that are placed in the erection chambers of the penis. A pump is attached to the rods that can create a vacuum that helps you achieve an erection.
A patient with severe erectile dysfunction might be considered for an implant, but this procedure is typically not performed until other forms of treatment have been tried. A urologist can determine the best course of action for a patient with this condition.
One of the most important things a man can do to improve their erectile function is to avoid smoking, alcohol, and drugs. These substances can make it harder for a man to get and maintain an erection, as they bind to the penis. They can also cause pain and discomfort during sex, which is why they should be avoided as much as possible.
Your urologist can also test you for other medical conditions that can affect your sex and erectile function. These tests can help your urologist determine if a condition like diabetes or heart disease is affecting your ability to get and maintain an erection.
Having erectile problems is not a normal part of growing older, but it’s not something that you should worry about. Symptoms that occur in men as they age are usually a sign of a health issue and can be treated before it leads to serious problems.
What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?
One of the most common sexual disorders reported by men to doctors is erectile dysfunction, which is the inability to get or keep an erection strong enough for sex. ED is not normal at any age, and it is often associated with other sexual problems such as lack of desire, orgasm, and ejaculation difficulties. It is estimated that as many as one in 10 adult males will have ED at some point in their lives.
The causes of erectile dysfunction are varied. Sometimes it is as simple as the side effect of a certain medication or treatment. Other times, it is a sign of vascular disease or neurologic disorder. It can also be a result of diabetes, prostate-related treatments, or surgeries.
Other possible causes include alcohol abuse, drug or sexual abuse, obesity, steroid use (e.g. by bodybuilders), a thyroid problem, and hormones administered for prostate cancer.
Medical tests are usually needed to determine the cause of erectile dysfunction. These tests may include blood counts, urinalysis, lipid profile, and measurements of testosterone in the blood. The doctor may take a detailed history of the patient’s health, including alcohol and drug use, physical activity, and previous surgeries. They will also perform a physical examination of the sex organs.
For example, the doctor will examine the penis to see if it responds to touch as expected. Secondary sex characteristics, such as hair patterns and body shapes, will be noted. These are important because they can reveal hormonal or circulatory problems.
In older patients, ED is most often caused by problems with the blood vessels that supply blood to the penis. These can be caused by the hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), high blood pressure, a faulty vein, or diseases such as diabetes or cancer.
Studies have shown that a person with ED can be cured of his condition by treating the underlying cause. For example, if the underlying problem is an arterial blockage, then medications such as Viagra can help to restore a healthy erection.
A person can also overcome ED through changes in his lifestyle or psychological counseling. For example, if the problem is related to low self-esteem, then behavioral therapy or self-esteem enhancement may help. Alternatively, if the problem is related to low physical health or obesity, then a change in diet and exercise can help to improve erectile function.
The main focus of urologists is to find and treat the underlying cause of ED rather than to cure it with a pill. They also believe that most long-term cases of ED in older men are caused by physical problems, such as a faulty vein or a hardening of the arteries.
The newest research is showing that older men may be more likely to experience ED because of changes in their sexuality. For example, men with lower libido tend to be more susceptible to the condition. Similarly, gay men report a higher rate of ED than heterosexual men.
What Can I Do About Erectile Dysfunction?
There are a variety of options for treating erectile dysfunction. Treatment can include lifestyle changes, medications, or psychotherapy. The first step is to find out what causes your ED so that you can start a personalized treatment plan.
One of the most common reasons for ED is an abnormality in the blood vessels that supply blood to your penile glands, called the arteries or veins. These problems can be caused by a number of factors, including obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels. Other underlying health conditions can also cause erectile dysfunction.
Other issues that can impact a man’s ability to get an erection include stress, depression, anxiety, and alcohol and drug abuse. Fortunately, most erectile dysfunction can be successfully treated, and often with only minor side effects.
The most common treatment for erectile dysfunction is oral medications such as Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra. Oral medications help improve erectile function by enhancing the vascular system which is available at apotheek24h.com Taking these medications regularly is recommended.
Another effective erectile dysfunction treatment is injection therapy. It involves injecting prostaglandin E1 into your penile urethra to increase the flow of blood through your sex gland. It is a relatively painless procedure, but it can lead to priapism (a painful erection lasting longer than two or three hours) and scarring of the penile tissue.
Injection therapy can be done by a medical specialist known as a urologist. He will determine which type of ED you have and the best method for treating it.
A urologist can offer an array of non-surgical treatment options, such as vacuum devices or injections, or surgical methods such as penile implants. Each of these can be highly effective, and many patients are very satisfied with their results.
Alternatively, your doctor can refer you to a therapist who specializes in sexual health and treatment of ED. Your urologist can help you decide which approach is right for you and your partner.
Most urologists work closely with their patients to ensure that they are getting the best possible care. In addition, they are focused on personalized treatment that aims to make the patient feel better about his erectile dysfunction.
While some men may avoid seeking treatment for their erectile dysfunction because they feel ashamed about it, it is important to see a doctor as soon as you start to experience a problem in the bedroom. This can help you identify more serious health concerns sooner and prevent them from developing into full-blown conditions.
Other factors that can contribute to erectile dysfunction include a lack of education about sex and sexual behaviors. A lack of knowledge can lead to a man’s feelings of self-doubt and frustration, which can make it difficult to take control over his sexual life.
Some ED can be caused by a medical condition or medication, so it is important to keep track of any side effects that you have experienced with these treatments. In the case of an ED caused by heart disease, for example, your doctor should be aware of any erection problems that have come up while you have been taking certain medications.
