Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is also known as a man’s inability to either get or maintain an erection naturally. If it is a one-off issue, it shouldn’t be cause for concern. However, persistent issues with maintaining an erection can affect one’s confidence, so it’s advisable to consult a doctor and understand the causes and treatments of ED.

Causes

Physical
ED has many causes, and most of them can be diagnosed by a healthcare worker. Some common causes are:

• Heart disease
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Multiple sclerosis
• Smoking
• Substance abuse
• Certain medications
• Low testosterone levels
• High blood pressure
• Surgical complications
• Parkinson’s disease

Psychological
The brain also plays a vital role in triggering events that may cause emotional problems and lead to ED:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Fear of being intimate
• Guilt or resentment
• Unresolved relationship issues

Sometimes, c combination of physical and psychological factors may cause the problem. A man who is obese will have erection problems, but it could also be because he has low self-esteem, which is a psychological factor contributing to the condition.

Treatments
The causes and treatment of ED are interrelated. Here are some common treatment methods:

• Medicines
  ED can be managed by taking medicines prescribed by a doctor. The only catch here is that one may need to try a few medicines before finding the one that works best for them. Medicines like Viagra can help one get an erection during intercourse. Also, if one is taking medicines for other health conditions, they should talk to their doctor to understand whether they may be responsible for causing ED.
• Therapy
  Sometimes, the cause OF ED is not physical but psychological. Although medicines may still work, the psychological factor needs to be resolved. To ensure that a patient heals from that, they can try talk therapy. This may require a number of sessions with a counselor, wherein one can talk about their issues and what causes anxiety. One can also share their feelings about intimacy and their sexual wellbeing. If one is in a steady relationship, and this condition is putting a strain on it, they can also try consulting a relationship expert to help them reconnect with their partner. This may, in turn, help improve the symptoms of ED.
• Vacuum pumps
  In this treatment, a vacuum is used to stimulate an erection. Using the pump, the blood flows toward the penis and can help treat ED due to poor blood flow to the penis. It consists of a tube that is placed over the penis, a pump that creates a vacuum by drawing out air from the tube, and an elastic ring placed at the base of the penis. This can be left in place for 30 minutes.

It is important to understand the causes and treatments of ED to enable a person to make informed decisions and prevent the condition.