Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment
A very common reason behind male infertility is erectile dysfunction. In this condition, a male is not able to sustain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. The percentage of people suffering from erectile dysfunction is different for various age groups. Only about 5-10% of men below 40 years of age and 22% over 40 years of age suffer from ED, whereas 49% of the male population, that is close to half the men, have ED by the age of 70 years.
Patients suffering with erectile dysfunction do not present with any particular symptoms. There are a number of physical and psychological reasons which attribute to this condition.
What causes erectile dysfunction (ED)?
There is an array of reasons which lead to this condition. These physical reasons include:
- Substance Abuse
- Alcoholism
- Sleep Disorder
- Low Testosterone
- Sleep Disorder
- Heart Disease
- Clogged Blood Vessels
- High Cholesterol
- High Blood Pressure
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Tobacco Consumption
- Treatment for Prostate Cancer or Enlarged Prostate
- Surgeries/Injuries Affecting Pelvic Area of Spinal Cord
While the psychological reasons are:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mental Health Condition
- Stress
- Relationship Problems
Oral medicines, surgeries, exercise, and psychological counselling are known to help patients suffering from erectile dysfunction. Of these, 80% of men respond well to medication alone. However, in cases where ED is brought upon by serious injury to the spinal cord, fertility experts harvest sperms by means of TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration), PESA (Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration) or electroejaculation.
If medications don’t help in improving ED, pregnancy can be achieved by assisted reproductive technologies like IUI, IVF/ICSI. During the course of treatment, the patient must make sure that he maintains a proper lifestyle, follows an exercise and a healthy diet regimen, does yoga, and sleeps well.
For men suffering from diabetes, heart diseases or any other chronic medical conditions, regular consultation with doctors helps them steer clear of ED. In general, it is a good idea to refrain from smoking and alcohol along with introduction of regular exercise in the routine and better stress management.
