.png)
Erectile dysfunction is one disease that's 'hard' to beat. It can reduce a man's self-esteem to zero.
Even though more than 1.5 million ED cases pop up yearly in Nigeria, it's not something we like to discuss.
I mean, how many men will boldly come out to say that their 'gbola' has stopped functioning? But you can't exactly blame them, the African society doesn't permit men to show any form of weakness.
In simple terms, Erectile dysfunction a.k.a ED is the inability or difficulty of the male genital organ(penis) to maintain an erection hard enough for sexual intercourse.
Before we delve into the business of the day, let's find out how an erection is gotten in the first place.
It starts in your brain. Your sense organs detect something that arouses you and sends impulses to your nerves. Your nerves send messages to your blood vessels in the penile region. Blood then flows into your penis and increases the pressure in the corpora cavernosa which causes your penis to expand and become erect.
Let's get one thing right, not getting erect a few times doesn't mean you have ED. But it becomes a problem when it's too frequent or when it starts to affect your self-esteem and your relationship.
Also, Erectile dysfunction doesn't necessarily mean low sex drive. You may be aroused but your 'little man' may not rise to the challenge. At that point, it's safe to say that you have ED.
Big man may go for a long nap when you make the wrong lifestyle choices.
Research has shown that lifestyle choices such as excessive alcohol intake, smoking, diet choices and little or no physical activity can lead to erectile dysfunction.
Here's how:
Some medications like antidepressants, tranquilisers, and blood pressure drugs can cause ED.[1] [2]
If you start experiencing symptoms of ED as soon as you're placed on any medication, consult your doctor.
Avoid using drugs without your doctor's approval. You never can tell which one may have critical side effects like ED.
Studies have shown that cyclists have a higher chance of suffering from ED. This is because the shape of the bicycle seats puts pressure on the nerves that help with sexual arousal. Cyclists are also exposed to prolonged compression of peroneal arteries leading to reduced blood flow to the penis[3].
Overtraining can also cause sleep disorders, hypertension and ED.
Some heart diseases are known causes of ED.
Atherosclerosis, for instance, is caused by the accumulation of fat in the arterial walls. This causes narrowing and hardening of the arteries and eventually reduction of blood flow. And you know what happens when blood flow to your penis drops.
Diabetes and stroke are also leading causes of ED.
"More than 50% of men with diabetes suffer from erectile dysfunction", says Elizabeth Selvin, PhD, MPH, assistant professor and epidemiologist at John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
It's hardly possible to smoke in the bedroom when you're emotionally unstable. Emotional issues like stress, depression, anxiety, low confidence, and worry about sexual performance can hinder erection.
So, is there a way out of ED or do I live with it for my entire life and watch it ruin my relationships?
No, it won't ruin your relationships.
And yes, there is a way out -ways actually.
DISCLAIMER: These are just recommendations, although they've been proven to work, you must still consult your doctor before using any of the medications or alternative methods listed below.
Once again, your lifestyle choices go a long way in defining your sexual health. As I said earlier, habits like binge drinking, smoking, shitty diet choices and low physical activity can make you lose your fire in the bedroom. So if your ED is linked to poor lifestyle choices, you should:
Medications for ED come in different forms, they could be injectable or oral.
PS: Avoid buying products that aren't medically approved like penis enlargement oils or ED cures from social media vendors. Some of those things contain harmful substances. You don't want to add more problems to your current one.
Psychotherapy or counselling can be applied in cases where the cause of ED is anxiety, stress, fear, low confidence or any other emotional issue. Therapy will help the patient get more comfortable during intercourse. It can also help a couple get used to utilizing special devices recommended by the doctor and help spouses be more understanding and patient with their suffering partner.
If ED becomes persistent, the doctor may recommend the use of pumps or vacuum constriction devices(VCDs).
The device has a cylinder, a pump and an elastic ring. First, the patient must place the penis in the cylinder then the pump draws air out of the cylinder creating a partial vacuum around the penis. This causes it to become filled with blood leading to an erection. Lastly, place the elastic ring at the base of your penis to help sustain the erection.
Surgery may be required if the cause of ED is damage to the blood vessels supplying the male sex organ. It may also be required for penile implants.
The implant is surgically placed in the penis then whenever the man desires an erection, he just has to use the pump to fill the 2 cylinders with pressurized fluids. This leads to an increase in blood flow and eventually, an erection.
Erectile dysfunction shouldn't be the end of any relationship because there's always a way out. If your partner gets diagnosed with it, don't push them away, be patient with them, and help them through the entire treatment process. This too shall pass!
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)