Erectile Dysfunction

Sexual dysfunction otherwise called erectile dysfunction (ED) is a major problem in most families in the world. In some, it has led to separation or complete divorce. In some religious faith where divorce is not allowed, it makes both spouses to endure the marriage rather than enjoy it. Erectile dysfunction, apart from the social problem, may be a warning sign for impending heart disease. 


 

Erectile dysfunction means that a man cannot get or keep penile erection or he cannot have erection sufficient for sex. The problem affects more than 30% men between the age of 40 and 70 years. 

There are several different causes of ED, including depression, low testosterone, nerve problems, and some medications. 

The list of drugs that cause erectile dysfunction is endless but the major culprits are the blood pressure medications.  All blood pressure medications can cause erectile dysfunction. The cause of erectile dysfunction cannot connect both ED and heart disease is a problem with the blood vessel called atherosclerosis.




Who is at Risk Of Erectile Dysfunction

Men with the following medical problems are more at risk than others. 

1 – Diabetes mellitus: men who have diabetes (excess sugar in the blood and urine) are especially high risk of erectile dysfunction, heart diseases and other problems caused by restricted blood flow.

2- Having high cholesterol: a high level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis. All those turkey and chicken that we refuse to remove the skin before eating, plus other fat laden fast food we freely consume, might have contributed to the load of bad cholesterol in our blood.

3- Being a smoker: smoking cigarettes raises your risk of developing atherosclerosis. It also directly affects your ability to get an erection.

4- Having high blood pressure: over time, high blood pressure damages the lining of your arteries and accelerate the process of atherosclerosis.

5- Having a family member with heart disease: it’s more likely your erection dysfunction could be linked to heart disease if you have a first degree relative, such as sibling or parent, who had heart disease at young age.

6- Your age: the younger you are, the more likely that erectile dysfunction signals a risk of heart disease. Men younger than 50 are at especially high risk. In men older than 70, erectile dysfunction is much likely to be a sign of heart disease.

7- Obesity: being overweight or obese increases your risk of both heart disease and erectile dysfunction due to atherosclerosis and other reasons.

8- Depression: there’s some evidence that depression is associated with an increased chance of having heart problems and erectile dysfunction.

That’s all the suggested ways that can we can provide for you here, which can cause erectile dysfunction or any heart diseases. In this kind of situation, all you have to do is to talk to your doctor about your sexual health. Do not be shy or embarrassed. Many people find it difficult to discuss it with their doctors especially in the teaching hospital setting where the trainees are surrounding the physician. Just talk to your doctor and also personally maintain a healthy heart.