“Erectile dysfunction” is a more colloquial term, with the professional term being “erectile dysfunction.” When a male is unable to achieve and maintain a sufficient erection for a satisfactory sexual intercourse for the past three months or longer, it can be referred to as erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is a very common male sexual dysfunction, although it does not endanger life, it is closely related to the quality of life of men, maintaining sexual partner relationships, and keeping family stability as important factors. Therefore, for men, the dangers of erectile dysfunction can be significant or minor. Additionally, erectile dysfunction is also an early warning signal for many other male medical conditions and should not be ignored.
I. Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
1. Age
Increasing age is the primary factor leading to erectile dysfunction in men. As men age, the level of testosterone in the body significantly decreases, which is the direct cause of erectile dysfunction. Moreover, aging also leads to changes in the structure of the penile corpus cavernosum, resulting in weakened blood return capacity, thereby affecting penile erection and duration of erection.
2. Cardiovascular Diseases
Atherosclerosis, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, and myocardial infarction are major diseases that can affect erectile dysfunction. These cardiovascular diseases can affect the blood flow to the corpora cavernosa of the penis, leading to erectile dysfunction.
3. Diabetes
The body’s autonomic nervous system, peripheral vascular system, and psychoneurological system are all affected by diabetes and some of its complications, which indirectly impact the erectile function of the penis.
4. Medication Effects
If the body is on long-term use of some medications such as antihypertensive drugs, hormones, and psychotropic drugs, it can have several side effects, and erectile dysfunction is one of them.
II. Treatment Methods for Erectile Dysfunction
1. Basic Treatment Methods: Quit smoking and alcohol, maintain a healthy and balanced diet, exercise for weight loss, maintain a good psychological state, enhance sexual knowledge education, strengthen the treatment of primary diseases, etc.
2. Medication Treatment: If signs of erectile dysfunction are detected, seek medical treatment at a regular hospital as soon as possible, which can be treated with proper Western medicine or slowly adjusted with traditional Chinese medicine for better efficacy to avoid misdiagnosis and mistreatment.
3. Other Treatment Methods: Mainly include vascular surgery, penile prosthesis implantation, etc.
Although erectile dysfunction does not pose a threat to life, it can greatly affect the quality of sexual life for couples, subsequently affecting marital harmony and family peace. Moreover, a considerable number of erectile dysfunction patients may have cardiovascular diseases. Sexual activity is an exciting physical activity, and patients with erectile dysfunction accompanied by cardiovascular diseases should not be overly excited to prevent further decline in the quality of sexual life. Therefore, for patients with erectile dysfunction accompanied by cardiovascular diseases, a comprehensive cardiovascular examination and treatment must be conducted first. After a professional and detailed evaluation of cardiovascular function by a doctor, then decide on how to treat erectile dysfunction. Additionally, unhealthy lifestyle habits have a significant influence on erectile dysfunction, such as smoking, excessive drinking, lack of attention to personal hygiene, etc., so maintaining good lifestyle habits is also an important measure in preventing erectile dysfunction.
