Erectile dysfunction is a condition wherein men can't acquire or maintain an erection. Men with Erectile Dysfunction (ED) find it hard to talk about their condition to anyone, even their doctors, for fear of embarrassment. This is why even though 50% of men between the age of 40-70 experience erectile dysfunctions, only 10% dare to go to their doctor and inquire about the condition they might have.

Though a single or few occurrences of the said condition shouldn't be something to be worried about, it is still better and advisable to ask for your doctor's opinion for erectile dysfunction can be moderate at first but can slowly get worse or be a sign for a bigger health condition problem.

Signs of Erectile Dysfunction

Erection is a complex process, and it includes your hormones, brain, emotions, blood vessels, nerves, and muscles. All of this is a part of an erection process, and if one or some of this doesn't work as it should have, it's possible to have erectile dysfunction.

The process of an erection or a man's arousal isn't only affected by his physical characteristics and mental health. If a man suffers from mental health problems such as anxiety or depression, he is more likely to have ED.

A few moments of having sexual problems don't mean you have erectile dysfunction, but here below are the signs that you probably have ED:

The Inability to Get an Erection

The inability to get an erection is what erectile dysfunction is all about. Some men who struggle with this condition usually feel guilty, embarrassed, and ashamed. Sometimes, ED can also affect or ruin relationships, for it lowers both couple's self-esteem because of ED's misconceptions.

Don't lose hope, though! Erectile dysfunction is treatable.

Inability to Maintain an Erection Suitable for An Intercourse

This is where a man gets an erection, but it doesn't go on long enough to make the sex pleasurable or completely finish sex. It usually comes from decreased blood flow and circulation, leading to difficulty performing erections.

Did you know that some medical conditions cause difficulty maintaining or getting an erection? Such as high blood pressure, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or heart disease.

It could also cause hormonal issues such as low testosterone levels, which is usual for men of older age. There are many possible reasons you're unable to maintain an erection, but the best move is to ask for your doctor's opinion, so you'll know exactly what to do about it.

Reduced Desire for Sex

If you have experienced a reduced desire for sex, it's probably because you're experiencing a symptom of ED. Losing desire for sex can be caused by low testosterone levels, which sustain sperm production, sex drive, hair, bones, and muscle. It will significantly impact your mood or desire for sex. Losing your desire for sex can also be from a mental health problem like depression and anxiety.

Infrequent Symptoms

Despite the three common signs above, there are also some rare symptoms of erectile dysfunction that are usually linked to coronary artery disease episodes.

Here are some other symptoms that might be linked to ED:

•Delayed ejaculation
•A problem in the muscles within the pelvic floor
•Inability to ejaculate
•Premature ejaculation
•Decreased sex drive or libido
•Damage to the pelvis like pelvic fractures
•Low levels of testosterone in the hormones
•Inability to become aroused despite enough stimulation

Complications

These symptoms and signs can cause different problems with a man's physical health and his psychological and relationship issues.

Below are the psychological and relationship difficulties that may arise because of ED:

Depression
Anxiety
•Low self-esteem
•Lack of interest
•Denial
•Emotional Stress
•Lack of intimacy
•Marital relationship problems

What Are The Factors That Will Put You at Risk in Getting Erectile Dysfunction?

•Mental health problems like anxiety and depression.
•Senior age
•Health problems like diabetes and heart disease
•Doing drugs and drinking alcohol
•Smoking tobacco
•Radiation treatments
•Taking medications such as anti-depressants and allergy medications
•Having a poor blood circulation
•Sleep disorders
•Surgeries or wounds that damage either the spinal cord or pelvic area

When to See a Doctor?

Observe how you often have difficulty maintaining an erection or how often you fail to get one. If it happens once or twice, there's no need to go and ask for a doctor's advice. However, suppose you notice that the said condition occurs regularly, which affects your marital relationship or self-confidence. In that case, you might consider going to your doctor for a health assessment.

You should also see a doctor when you are experiencing other sexual dysfunction that is related to erection, such as delayed or premature ejaculation, or are experiencing all the other warning signs/symptoms above, as well as having health problems that are connected to erectile dysfunction such as heart disease or diabetes.

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I know that it's never easy to speak to a doctor or tell anyone in particular that you have these warning signs. Most men aren't comfortable talking about their erectile dysfunction, but you should know that your doctor has probably handled many clients with the same health problems as yours. You don't have to feel embarrassed by talking about your condition. Sexual problems happen to almost everybody; thus, they must be discussed and treated. Remember that sex is still an essential part of life, and you are not alone in these difficult times.

Author's Bio: 

Cristina is teacher-turned online blogger. She is a full-time backyard homesteader based in Virginia. When she doesn’t have her face buried in a book or striding in her garden, she’s busy blogging.