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The Physical and Emotional Factors of Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is quite common on occasion, but can be a problem if it occurs consistently. The cause of ED may be physical in nature or it can have psychological issues at the root of the problem. If psychological, one or both partners may be involved with the solution.

The physical symptoms of erectile dysfunction are an inability to achieve an erection. The inability to maintain the erection long enough to achieve the sexual act, inadequate orgasm, low volume of ejaculate or longer than normal recovery time. There may be a combination of these symptoms.

Many men become embarrassed or frustrated with the problem enough so that they may just give up on the sexual relationship rather than pursue the cause and treatment for it. This "giving up", may lead to self-esteem issues or relationship problems.

Sometimes the erectile dysfunction is actually a symptom of a medical problem, emotional problem or a combination of the two. Chronic diseases such as diabetes, and disorders of the circulatory system, kidneys and lungs can interfere with the ability to perform sexual activities and can aggravate or even initiate ED.

Physical reasons for decreased blood flow such as artherosclerosis (plaque build-up in the linings of the veins and arteries) may have a direct impact on the ability to have an erection. Hypogonadism is also a cause for erectile dysfunction because of the low levels of testosterone associated with this condition. Erectile dysfunction can be the result of any number of physical, psychological or the combination of reasons.

Men are usually aroused through their senses (sight, hearing, touch, and smell) and arousal is necessary for the successful achievement of erection. A lack of stimuli for arousal might be one cause or at least a contributing factor in ED.

Some of the common causes for ED that should be looked into by the couple and by the medical professional who's help they seek might be the presence of prostate problems, abnormalities of the penis (shape, structure), spinal cord injury, medication influence, alcoholism, drug abuse, fatigue, conditions like multiple sclerosis, cardiovascular conditions, and diabetes, just to name a few. As you can see there are many areas to explore that are connected to physical causes for ED.

Treatment depends on the cause and may include a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, mechanical devices and perhaps surgery. The options will be discussed following diagnosis and you will begin to see hope once again.

Often times one of the partners may think that the problem is that they are not being attractive enough, this is not the case. ED has real physical causes or perhaps psychological issues and is no one's fault. The best thing that couples can do facing this, is to not play the blame game and actively look for the real cause for the ED. Finding the cause can then lead to a cure so that the sexual side of the relationship can resume.