Sexual Dysfunction: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Abnormal sexual dysfunction includes conditions where there is a lack of sexual desire or the inability to become physically aroused during a sexual activity.

It is indeed a very wide topic, out of which a few of the most common disorders are erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation in men, as well as female sexual arousal disorders such as the inability to reach orgasm.

An erection happens to be a complex process that involves the body’s hormones, nerves, and blood vessels. Erectile dysfunction, or impotence, is indeed a condition that makes it difficult to get or keep a firm erection long enough for sexual intercourse. It is a fairly common problem, and there is no particular reason for concern if it happens occasionally. Frequently, it can lead to stress, anxiety, and relationship issues.

Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction

Symptoms of erectile dysfunction do include trouble getting and keeping an erection as well as reduced sexual desire.

Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

There are, in fact, several causes of erectile dysfunction:

• Atrophy: fibrosis, and also the wasting away of penile tissue.
• Diabetes: peripheral neuropathy, which affects the nerves controlling erections.
• Depression: There is a relationship between depression, erectile dysfunction, and cardiovascular disease.
• Drugs: A few prescription drugs, like glaucoma eye drops, blood pressure medications, and antidepressant medications, can cause erectile dysfunction.
• Hormones: Steroid abuse and increased prolactin can contribute to erectile dysfunction.
• Other causes:  include alcoholism, low testosterone, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injuries.

Risk Factors for Erectile Dysfunction

Controllable risk factors for erectile dysfunction include being overweight, a sedentary lifestyle, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and smoking.

Other risk factors can include:

• Advancing age.
• Type 2 diabetes.
• Prostate problems.
• Hypogonadism.
• Vascular disease and surgery.
• Sleep disorders.
• Illegal drugs.
• Certain medications, such as antidepressants.
• Peyronie’s disease (distortion of the penis).
• Priapism (inflammation of the penis).
• Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
• Alcohol use and smoking.
• Renal failure and dialysis.

Likely Complications

Although erectile dysfunction is not life-threatening, it can be a red flag of an underlying medical condition like type 2 diabetes, heart and blood vessel disease, atherosclerosis, or even hypertension. It is better to seek a medical consultation if you are experiencing erectile dysfunction.

Prevention

There are a few ways to prevent erectile dysfunction, like avoiding smoking and illegal drugs, eating a balanced diet, cutting back on alcohol, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction

For diagnosis, the doctor can require one’s medical and sexual history to determine if there happen to be conditions that may lead to impotence, a problem in one’s nervous system, or secondary sex characteristics that can point to endocrinological problems.

Certain tests, like blood counts, lipid profiles, urinalysis, and measurements of creatinine and liver enzymes, can be required. The doctor can also ask for a psychosocial examination to help reveal psychological factors that affect performance.

Treatment for erectile dysfunction does depend on age, overall health, medical history, and the extent of the condition.

A few treatments include:

• Prescription medications like sildenafil, vardenafil, tadalafil, and avanafil. There are precautions to follow when taking these medicines, so consulting a doctor is necessary.
• Testosterone replacement therapy to heighten sexual interest.
• A penile prosthesis or even implants.
• Psychotherapy and counseling.

It is best to talk to one’s doctor, who can guide one regarding treatment.

Conclusion

The inability to keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse or to get an erection can be a main symptom of erectile dysfunction. It is quite common, and the causes can be physiological or even psychological. Sexual dysfunction causes should not be ignored.