Erection problems, often seen as a shame in public perception, are actually not something to be ashamed of. Contrary to common belief, they can occur in many men and women.
Erectile dysfunction is defined as the inability to achieve or maintain sufficient penile rigidity during sexual intercourse. It encompasses various issues such as lack of sexual desire, ejaculation problems, absence of orgasm, penile curvature, and shortening.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION?
Discussions with the patient provide important clues to understand whether the issue is related to psychological or organic diseases.
Psychological Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction
•It often starts suddenly, even if there was previously a normal sexual life.
•Stressful lifestyle, problems related to work, family, or social relationships can be identified.
•Erection problems may vary situationally and may be normal in some cases.
Organic Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction
•The problem develops slowly, and a gradual decline in erection quality is observed over time.
•Underlying health issues such as diabetes or vascular diseases like arteriosclerosis may be present.
•Nocturnal and morning erections may be reduced or absent.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION?
Erectile dysfunction can stem from both physical and psychological causes. Smoking increases the risk of erectile dysfunction. Studies have shown a higher risk of erection problems in men who smoke.
Psychological Causes
•Stress, job, economic, or relationship issues.
•Depression and other psychological disorders.
Physical Diseases
•Diabetes
•Arteriosclerosis
•Diseases like high cholesterol, hypertension affecting the nervous system.
•Chronic liver disease
•Conditions like kidney disease.
•Testosterone deficiency
•Thyroid issues
•Obesity and metabolic syndrome.
TREATMENT OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
Lifestyle changes: Control of smoking and alcohol consumption, regular exercise.
Medication: Erectile dysfunction drugs, hormonal therapies.
Topical applications: Injections to induce erection in the penis.
External therapies: Vacuum devices, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT).
Surgical methods: Penile prosthesis implantation, vascular surgery.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
How common are sexual function disorders
Sexual function disorders are generally widespread issues and can affect many men. Data on sexual function disorders vary from community to community and from individual to individual. However, open communication, early diagnosis, and appropriate treatment options are crucial in managing sexual health issues.
What tests are conducted for diagnosing erectile dysfunction?
To diagnose erectile dysfunction, doctors typically follow these steps and evaluate various tests:
Patient History and Physical Examination:
Doctors gather detailed information about the patient’s general health, medical history, and lifestyle.
Focus on sexual history to determine the type of sexual function disorder.
During physical examination, genital organs and other body areas are evaluated.
Laboratory Tests:
Blood tests: These can evaluate factors like sugar levels, cholesterol levels, and hormone levels.
HbA1C test: Used to measure diabetes control.
Hormone levels: Especially testosterone levels can be checked.
Penile Doppler Ultrasound:
This test is used to evaluate blood flow in the vessels inside the penis. It can help identify vascular problems underlying erectile dysfunction.
Nocturnal Penile Tumescence Test:
It monitors natural erections that typically occur during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. This test can help evaluate erection problems due to psychological or organic reasons.
PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) Test:
Provides information about prostate health, as prostate issues can cause erectile dysfunction.
Polysomnography:
Used to evaluate erections during sleep. In some cases, the absence of erections during sleep may indicate an organic issue.
Testosterone deficiency and erectile dysfunction
Testosterone is a hormone that enhances sexual desire. Testosterone deficiency can increase the risk of sexual desire and erectile dysfunction.
Following treatment for erectile dysfunction, lifestyle changes and medication may be recommended based on the patient’s condition. Response to treatment can vary depending on individual differences.
If you have any questions about erectile dysfunction or need recommendations related to your concern, feel free to ask us. You can reach us through the contact form on our website or call us at 0544 181 3535.
