The first mention of erectile dysfunction, known then as impotence, dates to the 9th century. Since this time, there have been many different treatments used to try and cure the disorder. In the 1800’s physicians used extracts from sheep testicles in the hopes of introducing increased levels of testosterone, a treatment that would prove futile until the 1940’s. The 1970’s saw the first penile implant, invented by Geddings Osbon. Today, the most common treatment is oral medication, such as sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, and avanafil. All of which are available through any ED clinic in Las Vegas.

Erectile dysfunction occurs when a man is unable to achieve an erection or maintain an erection for the duration of sexual intercourse. ED can be an ongoing or short-term problem and can occur at any stage of a man’s life. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases explains ED as follows, “You have ED when you can get an erection sometimes, but not every time you want to have sex, can get an erection, but it does not last long enough for fulfilling or satisfactory sex, are unable to get an erection at any time.”

There are many different reasons for erectile dysfunction to occur, both physical and psychological. Throughout this article we will dive deeper into what these causes are and how they may affect your life.

The Impact of Age on ED

Perhaps the most common cause of erectile dysfunction is age, and the odds of experiencing the disorder increase as you get older. Statistics show that roughly 40% of men experience ED at the age of 40, while 70% of men are affected by the age of 70. However, while men over 40 are at higher risk of ED, more young men have reported experiencing symptoms of the disorder, both chronically and sporadically. The journal of Translational Andrology and Urology explains: “Erectile dysfunction in young men is an increasingly common chief complaint seen in urology clinics across the world. The international urologic community has taken an increased interest in this topic, with experts in the field of andrology and sexual dysfunction publishing multiple review articles and an AUA Update Series Lesson dedicated to this concerning issue.”

For older men, the cause of age related sexual dysfunction is often associated with low testosterone levels. This offers a secondary measure of treatment aside from the traditional pills or implants. Men experiencing ED due to low-T can seek hormone replacement therapy ED Treatment in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Medical History and Erectile Dysfunction

Your medical history also plays a role in sexual health, especially if a medical issue hinders hormone levels or blood flow. For example, men who have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, heart disease, MS, type 2 diabetes, or kidney disease may have trouble achieving erection. Previous injuries to the spine, penis or testicles, as well as past surgeries in these areas can also impact erection. Certain types of cancer and cancer treatment may also be at fault.

When medical issues are the culprit behind erectile disorders, your physician will treat the underlying cause of the problem before trying to treat the ED itself. Often, getting control of illnesses such as diabetes or kidney disease will rectify associated sexual symptoms.

Prescription Medications Which Contribute to ED

It’s not just illness which can cause erectile dysfunction, but the treatment for those illnesses as well. In cases of high blood pressure, cancer, and depression, the medication used to relieve symptoms could be the cause of other physical issues, such as a loss of erection. Your physician may be able to lower your dosage or change medication types if it’s affecting your libido in some cases. Unfortunately, not all medications can be swapped out or reduced, and your doctor will need to determine whether additional medicine will help or hinder the condition in order to treat it.

Mental Illness and Psychological Causes

The way that you feel mentally can impact your body, and in cases where psychological factors play a role in erectile dysfunction, your doctor might suggest therapeutic treatment, rather than a medicinal one. Causes of psychological related ED include depression, stress, anxiety, a lack of self-confidence, feelings of guilt, and fear. For some men, these mental states are brought on after experiencing ED, which can further perpetuate the cycle and create a chronic condition.

Lifestyle Choices and ED

Alcohol might increase your desire for sexual interaction with a partner, but it could also have the opposite effect on your experience. Research shows that alcohol, illicit drug use, cigarette smoke, and poor diet can impact libido and your ability to maintain an erection. According to the Indian Journal of Psychiatry, “Sexual dysfunction is common in patients with alcohol dependence. Heavy drinking proportionately increases the risk. Clinicians need to routinely assess sexual functioning in alcoholic patients so that other factors contributing to sexual dysfunction can be ruled out.”

In cases of lifestyle related ED, cutting out the causing factor will greatly increase chances of a natural erection during sexual intercourse. Exercise, regular sleep patterns, and a healthy diet will also increase these odds.

For men experiencing erectile dysfunction, there is low cost ED treatment in Las Vegas, NV. Treatment centers of this kind provide diagnostic and prescription services, among other forms of treatment. Not all cases of ED are caused by the same issue, and therefore must be treated differently. It’s important to determine the cause of your disorder before seeking treatment, so that nothing is overlooked in the process.