Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition that affects men, especially as they age. However, in recent years, cases of ED have been increasing significantly, even among younger men.
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction, or ED, refers to the inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse or to complete sexual activity.
By nature, an erection results from the interaction between the nervous system and blood vessels (neurovascular function), regulated by hormones. A normal erection depends on four key factors:
- Intact nerve supply (neuronal innervations)
- Proper blood flow (arterial supply)
- Responsive smooth muscle in the penis (corporal smooth muscle)
- Proper venous occlusion mechanism (to trap blood and maintain an erection)
Under normal conditions, the penis remains flaccid and becomes erect in response to sexual stimulation.
At What Age Does Erectile Dysfunction Occur?
- Men under 40 years old – Approximately 5% experience ED
- Men over 40 years old – Approximately 50% experience ED
Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction
- Inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse
- Lack of ejaculation (anejaculation) or delayed ejaculation, even with adequate sexual stimulation
- Loss of control over ejaculation timing (Premature Ejaculation)
Types of Erectile Dysfunction
ED can be classified into four categories:
- Sexual Desire Disorders – Lack of interest in sex or no desire for any sexual activity.
- Arousal Disorders – The inability to become sexually aroused, even with sexual desire. The body does not respond, or an erection does not occur.
- Orgasm Disorders – Delayed or absent orgasm, despite feeling aroused.
- Pain Disorders – Pain during sexual activity that discourages participation in intercourse.
Severity Levels of Erectile Dysfunction
- Mild ED – Successful intercourse almost every time.
- Moderate ED – Successful intercourse about half the time.
- Severe ED – Almost never able to achieve successful intercourse.
A man is considered normal if he can achieve an erection every time during intercourse. ED is often caused by both physical and psychological factors, with the primary cause being insufficient blood flow to the penis. Diagnosing ED typically involves medical history, physical exams, and additional tests.
Common Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
ED can result from physical or psychological factors.
Physical Causes
- Aging – A major risk factor that is unavoidable. The likelihood of ED increases with age.
- Chronic diseases, such as:
- High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Neurological disorders, such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or nerve damage
- Previous surgeries or injuries – Surgeries in the pelvic area, urinary tract procedures, or spinal cord injuries can contribute to ED.
- Hormonal imbalances – Low testosterone levels or enlarged prostate.
- Unhealthy habits – Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of ED.
Psychological Causes
Emotional and mental well-being also play a role in erectile function. Common psychological causes include:
- Stress and anxiety
- Relationship or marital problems
- Depression (Studies show that 50-90% of depressed individuals experience ED)
- Past trauma or sexual abuse
Complications of Erectile Dysfunction
Sexual health is an essential part of overall quality of life.
- Dissatisfaction with one’s sex life may lead to feelings of loneliness and frustration, potentially causing relationship problems.
- It is crucial to treat ED as a medical condition and seek professional help if it starts to interfere with daily life.
How to Prevent Erectile Dysfunction
Maintaining good physical and mental health is key to preventing ED.
- Get enough rest
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid risk factors, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
Medical Screening for Erectile Dysfunction
A medical screening program can help assess the underlying causes of ED. The following tests are recommended:
- Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) – Checks blood sugar levels
- HbA1C – Measures long-term blood sugar control
- Lipid Profile (Cholesterol, Triglycerides, HDL, LDL) – Evaluates cholesterol levels
- Testosterone Level – Assesses male hormone levels
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) – Screens for prostate cancer
- Thyroid Function Tests (FT4, FT3, TSH) – Evaluates metabolism and thyroid function
