Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is a condition where the penis does not produce an erection. In most cases, it becomes partly erect but cannot be used properly.
Erectile dysfunction can occur at any age, though it tends to happen more after age 40. It usually appears during times when men are sexually aroused. For most, ED is temporary and can only be triggered by certain factors, such as being tired or stressed out, being distracted or drinking too much alcohol.
We get it, it’s a sensitive issue and you may be embarrassed. However, that shouldn’t let that stop you from seeking treatment. After all, not only will the longer you delay mean the more time you will have to deal with this issue, but it could serious impact your health later down the line. Here’s a few reasons why getting treated as soon as possible is vital:
Some cases may be have a serious medical issue such as heart disease or diabetes that are leading to ED. In fact, studies have shown that ED precedes coronary artery disease in almost 70% of cases. and can occur up to 3+ years before a heart attack.
In other cases, certain activity or extended pressure on the groin area can affect your risk of developing ED. Serious bicycle riders have found this out for themselves.
And another of the lingering, long-term side effects that some men suffer from after contracting COVID-19 have included erectile dysfunction.
The Biology: What Happens During Erectile Dysfunction
When sex makes you feel aroused, messages from the brain travel down the nerves to the penis. Neurotransmitters and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (or cGMP) are the chemicals that are released from these nerves when your are sexually stimulated. The chemicals cause the penis’ arteries to widen, allowing more blood to enter and causing the penis to swell, leading to an erection. In addition, the inner, swollen part of the penis is pressing against veins near to the skin surface. These are the veins that normally drain the blood from the penis. The blood flow to the penis is normal once the levels of cyclic cGMP have dropped.
Get On The Road To A Better You
Think you may have ED? Call Men’s PRIME Health to schedule a consultation with our professional staff. Medical Director, Dr. Michael Kanosky and our professional nurse practitioners can discuss the issue with you and go over any questions or concerns. A physical exam can help discover or rule out underlying causes. They may also suggest various tests to identify the cause of the condition and prevent further damage to the arteries. From there, we can help you plan our the best treatment options. Call us today at 769-823-4247 and let’s get you back on the road to better health and a happier sex life.
