Erectile Dysfunction

What is erectile dysfunction?

If you suffer from Erectile Dysfunction (ED also referred to as impotence), you’ll be having difficulty getting or maintaining an erection strong enough or long-lasting enough for satisfactory sexual performance. Having trouble getting or holding an erection from time to time isn’t necessarily a cause for concern, but if it starts becoming a regular occurrence it could have negative outcomes, including anxiety, stress or relationship problems.

There are several key factors to consider when dealing with Erectile Dysfunction. Firstly, it’s important to understand that it is common, so if you’re suffering from it, you’re not on your own. It’s good to recognise that it’s easy to diagnose and, most important of all, you can do something about it.

Who is affected by erectile dysfunction?

Don’t panic if you are experiencing an inability to perform satisfactorily – it’s estimated that about half of all men aged between 40 and 70 suffer from ED to some extent and it becomes more common with age. Although it’s not precisely defined, the failure to achieve an erection more than half of the time during sexual intercourse is considered as erectile dysfunction by medical professionals.

The good news is that simple lifestyle changes may be enough to ward off the problem. That's because new research indicates erectile dysfunction is more common among men with diabetes, or other risk factors for heart disease impacted by lower levels of exercise, than those who are physically active. Regular exercise and a healthy diet may improve erectile dysfunction by reducing these risk factors.

It’s important to note that ED is different from low sex drive – which is having no interest in sex, even if you can get erections – and although it is common with age it is not an inevitable consequence of aging.

Sadly though, there is a stigma attached to ED because virility in men is closely associated with sexual performance. ED can be distressing and lead to a loss of confidence and self-esteem, depression and relationship problems. Even the term ‘dysfunction’ makes ED sound like the death knell for your sex life, when, in reality, ED is a predictable and treatable result of aging that’s usually easily fixed with a range of erectile dysfunction medications and treatments.

Sex is too important a part of life to just ‘give up’. Research shows maintaining a good sex life (rated as twice a week or more) is good for men's health. A top sex expert says, in general, men are on a ‘five-day cycle' where sex is concerned (i.e. wanting it every five days) – whereas women are more likely to be on a ’10-day cycle'.

7 symptoms of erectile dysfunction

You may have erectile dysfunction if you regularly have:

1. Trouble getting an erection.
2. Difficulty maintaining an erection during sexual activities.
3. Complete failure to achieve an erection, including a lack of morning erections, together with a decrease in sex drive (libido).
4. A reduced interest in sex.

Other sexual disorders related to ED include:

5. Premature ejaculation.
6. Delayed ejaculation.
7. Anorgasmia, which is the inability to achieve orgasm after ample stimulation.

How is erectile function diagnosed?

Being sexually active is a good indicator of overall physical and emotional health. Studies show that sexually active men live longer – and the opposite also applies. Erectile dysfunction is like the canary in the mine – it may warn of possible future health problems like diabetes, hardening of the arteries, or cardiovascular disease.

Some diseases may interfere with penis function by either disturbing the nerves, or lessening blood flow. When the first signs of erectile dysfunction occur there is sometimes an unknown underlying physical cause such as high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, hypertension or the use of certain prescription medications. Because ED may be a sign of these potentially significant underlying conditions, left untreated, these could have a substantial impact on your health.

Good erections require strong blood flow to the penis and erectile dysfunction may be a sign of poor blood flow to the tiny penile capillaries.

According to WebMD, if you have other health problems that could be the cause of your ED, you may want to see a specialist – usually an urologist – for a consultation that could include:

• Blood tests.
• A mental health exam.
• An overnight erection test.
• Ultrasound of your penis to check blood flow.
• A urinalysis.

3 main causes of erectile dysfunction

According to well regarded U.S medical practice and research group, the Mayo Clinic, “male sexual arousal is a complex process that involves the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles and blood vessels. Erectile dysfunction can result from a problem with any of these. Likewise, stress and mental health concerns can cause or worsen erectile dysfunction.”

The three main causes of erectile dysfunction can be grouped into physical, psychological and contributing factors.

1. Physical causes of ED

Some of the common physical causes of erectile dysfunction include:

• Heart disease.
• Clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis).
• High cholesterol.
• High blood pressure.
• Diabetes.
• Obesity.
• Certain prescription medications.
• Smoking.
• Alcoholism and other substance abuse.
• Sleep disorders.
• Prostate cancer or enlarged prostate treatments
• Surgeries or injuries that affect the pelvic area or spinal cord.

2. Psychological causes of ED

The Mayo Clinic says the brain plays a key role in triggering the series of physical events that cause an erection, starting with feelings of sexual excitement. A number of things can interfere with sexual feelings and cause or worsen erectile dysfunction. These include:

• Depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions.
• Stress.
• Relationship problems due to stress, poor communication or other concerns.
• Risk factors.
• Aging. As you get older, erections might take longer to develop and might not be as firm.

3. Risk factors that can contribute to ED

In addition to the above, various risk factors can contribute to erectile dysfunction, including:

• Medical conditions, particularly diabetes or heart conditions.
• Tobacco use, which restricts blood flow to veins and arteries, can over time cause chronic health conditions that lead to erectile dysfunction.
• Being overweight, especially if you're obese.
• Certain medical treatments, such as prostate surgery or radiation treatment for cancer.
• Injuries, particularly if they damage the nerves or arteries that control erections.
• Medications, including antidepressants, antihistamines and medications to treat high blood pressure, pain or prostate conditions.
• Psychological conditions, such as stress, anxiety or depression.
• Drug and alcohol use, especially if you're a long-term drug user or heavy drinker.

What might your doctor prescribe for erectile dysfunction?

Due to the potential of underlying causes getting worse, it is important to take action when you first notice you’re experiencing erectile dysfunction symptoms. Medical research shows that getting an erection is like keeping arthritic joints mobile – use it, or you’ll lose it. If you ignore the symptoms, or make excuses for sexual non-performance, then it may become increasingly more difficult to get hard again.

The good news is that there are many erectile dysfunction treatments available. A doctor may recommend well-known oral erectile dysfunction medications. There are also natural herbal options available, including ED herbal treatments like Herbal Ignite. There are other ED treatments like erectile injections, penile surgery and vacuum pumps. Erectile dysfunction medications may cause side effects, or be dangerous to your health, and it is important to talk to your doctor about potential side effects before starting any new prescription medication or treatment.

Research shows that sexual spontaneity is very important to men. So treatments like pumps and injections, which can be more invasive and which require more pre-planning before sex, may therefore not be as popular as oral ED treatments.

This may also be the case for some pills, which are required to be taken up to an hour ahead of sex and preferably not after a fatty meal. Understandably, this pre-planning can dampen sexual spontaneity, which can put some men off using it. “You take the pill and by the time you’re ready for sex, your partner’s fallen asleep,” is a complaint that is sometimes heard.

Important considerations about erectile dysfunction

• Maintaining an active sex life is good for your health and quality of life.
• Ignoring erectile dysfunction problems may result in future health problems and relationship issues.
• There is a wide range of erectile treatments available, so whatever your dysfunction issue is, it is likely there is a treatment that can restore your erections and give you a new lease on life.

3 ways to treat erectile dysfunction

• Seek specialist care, which may include penile pumps, injections or stents, nasal sprays.
• Make lifestyle changes, including dealing with stress or depression, getting more exercise or sleep.
• Natural treatments, including herbal supplements like Herbal Ignite for Men.

Why is Herbal Ignite for Men a good natural choice for erectile dysfunction?

In contrast, all-natural Herbal Ignite is taken like a daily tonic regardless of sexual activity. You don’t have to think about popping a pill to perform. The downside is that herbal erectile dysfunction treatments don’t work within hours. You usually need to be taking them for a few days before you notice any difference in erection strength.

Herbs, like those in Herbal Ignite, aid both the physical and psychological conditions that promote blood flow to the penis. This includes increasing testosterone levels to support erections, as well as aiding stress relief and combatting fatigue, improving energy levels and confidence and building muscle mass.

The herbal formula works in a three-fold action:

• It stimulates men’s hormonal system to produce more testosterone; the male hormone which governs sexual performance and which naturally declines as men age.
• It improves energy levels, reduces stress and restores a sense of wellbeing.
• It promotes blood supply to the penis and helps to enhance sex drive.

Herbal Ignite has been used successfully by thousands of men in New Zealand and Australia to increase testosterone levels and boost libido and sexual satisfaction. It also relieves stress and fatigue and improves energy levels and confidence. It has a potent herbal formula that works over time to help resolve the underlying causes of erectile dysfunction and low sex drive in men and, in particular, low testosterone levels that result from aging.

Herbal Ignite for Men is an over-the-counter dietary supplement taken daily with food to increase libido in men. It contains:

• Tribulus Terrestris, which lifts testosterone levels and improves sexual activity and muscular strength.
• Horny Goat Weed, which increases desire and sexual performance.
• Avena Sativa, which reduces stress and increases sexual desire.

Herbal Ignite is 100% natural and free of unpleasant side effects. It is made in New Zealand to the highest standards, with thorough testing and guarantees of no adulteration or undeclared ingredients.

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Disclaimer. This information is provided for general informational purposes only and does not substitute for the advice provided by your medical professional. Always seek specific medical advice for treatment appropriate to you. Individual results may vary and are not guaranteed.