“Erectile dysfunction” is the professional term for what is commonly referred to as “impotence.” In males, the inability for the penis to achieve and maintain an erection for a sufficient amount of time over the past three months or longer, leading to unsatisfactory sexual intercourse, is referred to as erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is a very common male sexual dysfunction. Although it does not pose a threat to life, it is crucial for male’s quality of life, maintaining sexual partner relationships, and keeping family stability. Hence, the impact of erectile dysfunction on males can vary in significance. Additionally, erectile dysfunction also serves as an early warning signal for many other male medical conditions and should not be overlooked.
I. Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
1. Age
The primary factor leading to male erectile dysfunction is aging. As males age, the levels of testosterone in the body significantly decrease, which is the most direct cause of erectile dysfunction. Furthermore, aging also brings about changes in the structure of the penile corpora cavernosa, leading to weakened blood outflow capability, thereby affecting penile erection and the duration of the erection.
2. Cardiovascular Diseases
Diseases such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, and myocardial infarction can significantly impact erectile dysfunction. These cardiovascular diseases affect the blood flow to the penile corpora cavernosa, resulting in erectile dysfunction.
3. Diabetes
Diabetes and some of its complications affect the body’s autonomic nervous system, peripheral vascular system, and psychoneurological system. The results of these effects indirectly impact penile erectile function.
4. Medication Influence
If the body is subjected to long-term intake of certain anti-hypertensive drugs, hormones, psychotropic drugs, it can lead to various side effects, with erectile dysfunction being 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 mental state, enhance sexual knowledge education, intensify the treatment of primary diseases, etc.
2. Medication Treatment: Upon detecting symptoms of erectile dysfunction, seek treatment at a formal hospital as early as possible. Treatment options include conventional Western medicine or gradually regulating with Chinese medicine for better efficacy, preventing misdiagnosis and mistreatment.
3. Other Treatment Methods: Mainly include vascular surgery, penile prosthesis implantation, etc.
While erectile dysfunction may not present a life-threatening situation, it significantly impacts the quality of sexual life for couples, subsequently affecting marital harmony and family peace. Furthermore, a considerable portion of erectile dysfunction patients may develop cardiovascular diseases. Sexual activity is an excitatory physical activity; thus, patients with erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases should not become overly excited during sexual activities, which can further decrease the quality of sexual life. Hence, for patients with erectile dysfunction accompanied by cardiovascular diseases, comprehensive cardiovascular examinations and treatment must be conducted first by medical professionals. After a thorough and detailed evaluation of cardiovascular function by doctors, the treatment of erectile dysfunction can be decided upon. Moreover, unhealthy habits have a significant impact on erectile dysfunction, such as smoking, excessive drinking, and neglect of personal hygiene, making maintaining good living habits an important preventive measure against erectile dysfunction.
