Are you searching for the best answer to why your erection is not as strong as before? As a health practitioner and dietician, I am here to help you. Excessive intake of alcohol, stress and ageing are common causes of erectile dysfunction in men. Also called impotence, the condition makes sexual activity less attractive and can be very embarrassing.
In this article, we go deeper into some possible causes of erectile dysfunction or impotence.
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
You’re said to have or be suffering from erectile dysfunction when you find it hard to get and maintain (sufficient or firm) erection for a sexual activity.
Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction in Men
While it’s common to attribute it to the inability to sustain an erection; erectile dysfunction can have other symptoms. These include:
- Less sexual desire
- Inability to keep or sustain an erection
Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
When a man is stressed or bothered; it’s possible for him to have less sexual desire. Other common causes are:
Conditions & Diseases
A healthy man is likely to get and sustain an erection for a long time. But when diseases or certain conditions are present; this wouldn’t be possible. If your erection is not as strong as before, examine yourself first.
Below are some of the diseases that possibly aggravate erectile dysfunction:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Diabetes
- Metabolic Syndrome: this is a condition that involves the formation of body fat around the waist. It also includes increased blood pressure, high cholesterol and increased insulin levels.
- Sleep apnea
- Stroke
- Multiple sclerosis
- Obesity
- Atherosclerosis or clogged blood vessels.
- Anatomical or structural disorder of the penis. An example is Peyronie Disease, which is the development of scar tissue inside the penis.
- Low testosterone
- Enlarged prostate
- Liver disease
- Surgery for bladder cancer
- Chronic kidney disease
Addiction-Related Causes
Men who are indulging in certain activities may over time, become susceptible to erectile dysfunction. Addiction can cause the condition and examples include:
- Over-indulgence in the use of recreational drugs
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol intake
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Prescription Medications as a Cause
While we rely on medications to help us get well; they might just be causing another problem in the body. For men, the usage of prescription medications could cause erectile dysfunction, which is why consulting a doctor beforehand is important.
Examples of such medications are:
- Hormone drugs
- Medications for regulating High Blood Pressure (HBP)
- Anticholinergics
- Certain cancer drugs
- Some antidepressants
- Opioid painkillers
- Antihistamines: these are medications for allergies and cold
- Antiandrogens: medications used for prostate cancer therapy
- Sedatives: medications used for inducing sleep
Psychological Causes of ED
When the mind is not at rest or the body is not composed; men can find it hard to sustain an erection. Thus, human psychology also has a role to play in the rising causes of erectile dysfunction.
While this may be less prevalent than physical/disease-related and medication-induced cases; it is wise not to rule it out.
Your lack of sexual excitement or desire may be due to any of these known psychological factors:
- General anxiety
- Stress is either caused by work or finances.
- Low-self esteem
- Fear or intimacy or sexual failure
- Depression
- Relationship-related issues, including conflicts, or lack of communication.
ED Treatment: How to Make Your Erection Strong
Now that you’re certain of the possible causes of the condition; you wish to know how best to resolve it. Possible solutions range from making changes to your lifestyle to using certain medications and devices.
Below, we explain your options in detail:
1. The Use of Medications
Drug treatments work very well for treating erectile dysfunction. You, however, must be careful not to use the ones that may aggravate the condition or cause other issues.
Experts recommend taking drugs that work by causing a stronger penile erection. Generally called Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) Inhibitors, they work by:
- Increasing nitric oxide levels in the blood. That way, there would be a corresponding increase in the amount of blood flow to the penis.
- In turn, the penis can stay erect for a little while.
These drugs are best used on a prescription basis due to the side effects that include indigestion, hearing loss and headache.
Examples of PDE-5 inhibitors are:
- Sildenafil (Viagra)
- Avanafil (Stendra)
- Vardenafil (Levitra)
- Tadalafil (Cialis)
2. Penile Pumps
Also called Penile Vacuum Erection Devices; these pumps are used to mechanically draw up blood to the penis. Penile Pumps come in handy when you wish to overlook oral medications.
These hollow tubes are meant to be put over the penis’ tip and pushed down to suck the air inside the tube. After drawing up and increasing blood flow; the accompanying band prevents the blood from leaving the penis.
3. Undergo Counselling Sessions
This is the best option for ED triggered by unstable emotions and other psychological factors. By seeking the counsel of a sex or mental therapist; you may be able to find help.
Experts also suggest going with your partner, as this helps both parties to find and stick to what works.
4. Make Lifestyle Changes
Giving up some habits can go a long way in helping you tackle erectile dysfunction. Examples of such changes or sacrifices to make are:
- Quitting smoking
- Giving up alcohol intake
- Engaging in regular cardiovascular exercises.
- Keeping your blood pressure at good or optimal levels.
- Losing some weight.
- Be careful about your dietary intake. Experts suggest consuming less cholesterol and avoiding foods with more fatty content.
5. Surgical Treatments: Do They Work?
It may be a good idea to consider surgical treatments as a way to tackle ED and make your erection stronger.
Different treatment options exist:
- Vascular Surgery
- Penile Implants: this requires the insertion of an inflatable or malleable device into the penis by having it fitted on both sides of the penis. In addition to making the penis firm; it also allows the penis to bend to different directions.
6. Tackling Erectile Dysfunction with Exercises
Engaging in regular exercises can help reduce the effects of erectile dysfunction. Your doctor should be able to suggest but here are some options:
- Aerobic Exercises: these help to facilitate blood circulation. Examples are taking a brisk walk or jogging.
- Pelvic Floor Exercises: used to strengthen the pelvic muscles.
The goal of such exercises is to bolster blood circulation in the body, the penis included. You should do this either moderately or vigorously, depending on your doctor’s recommendation.
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Final Words on Why Your Erection is Not as Strong as Before
Erectile dysfunction can be tackled in numerous ways, including lifestyle changes and using prescribed medications. Endeavour to consult a doctor to be sure of the best option for you.
If you wish to correct it using a radical change in your lifestyle and dieting, we have a diet plan that can help you achieve a great result in 30 days. This is a clinically proven method that we’ve used to help other people just like you to boost their sex life. If your erection is not as strong as it used to be, contact us today.
