According to recent statistics, as many as 30 million American men are dealing with erectile dysfunction. Fortunately, this disorder usually has specific causes that can be addressed. If you’re wondering whether or not it could affect you, here’s what you need to know.
It’s normal to have trouble in the bedroom every once in a while. Erectile dysfunction is another matter. Health professionals define the disorder as a persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection.
At one point, it was accepted as part of the aging process but medical research has shown that’s not the case. Older men may not have as many erections or take longer to achieve one, however, it should still be possible.
The fact that even men in their 20’s and 30’s are reporting erectile dysfunction is a good sign that the disorder is not strictly age-related.
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In many cases, the causes of erectile dysfunction are physical. Certain lifestyle practices can also make the disorder more likely to affect you. Some of the issues you need to look out for include:
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Atherosclerosis (clogged blood vessels)
- High blood pressure
- Being overweight or obese
- Low testosterone levels
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Peyronie’s disease
- Certain sleep disorders
- Drinking alcohol or using tobacco
- Some medications or treatments for prostate cancer
- Surgery and injuries related to the spinal cord or pelvic area
If any of these illnesses, disorders, or practices are a part of your life, erectile dysfunction may not be far behind. Some issues like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol might be controlled through changes in diet and exercise. However, seeing a doctor is usually the best course of action.
Health professionals have also identified psychological issues that can cause erectile dysfunction. Younger men, in particular, may find that their mental health is at the root of their problems in the bedroom. Symptoms to look for include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Feelings of inadequacy
- Rejection
- Trauma
To deal with the psychological causes of erectile dysfunction, you can look into ways to effectively handle the issues. Sometimes, you can identify techniques that will be helpful like stress management, getting more exercise, and countering negative emotions with experiences that bring you joy.
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However, self-treatment may not always be successful. For example, it can be hard to process trauma on your own. It’s best to seek out a professional that can assess your needs and prescribe the appropriate course of treatment.
Are African American Men More at Risk?
The short answer to that question is, “yes”. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. Studies show that black men’s higher risk of erectile dysfunction is tied to their likelihood of being affected by the other health complications listed earlier.
The good news is that if you work on addressing those issues, you can significantly lower your risk of erectile dysfunction as well. African American men are also not immune to the psychological causes of the disorder.
The impediment to treatment for this type of is dysfunction is directly linked to mental health stigma. If you’re holding back from seeing a doctor based on this, it’s best to reconsider. Mental health issues can affect more than your sex life.
Treatment Options
Most times erectile dysfunction can be resolved by treating the underlying causes. At other times, you may need medication such as avanafil, sildenafil, alprostadil, tadalafil, or vardenafil. Vacuum constriction devices might be also used if medication is not successful. These devices can be used regularly to achieve and maintain an erection. As a last resort, your doctor may suggest surgery. One option involves treating vascular deficiencies that improve blood flow. The other involves placing an implant in the penis.
The key to treating erectile dysfunction is identifying the cause or causes. Once these are addressed, you should have better luck with achieving and maintaining an erection. To make sure you’re not missing anything, always consult a doctor if your issues persist.
