F.A.Q
Toronto Men’s Clinic
Erectile Dysfunction FAQ
Have some questions about the Erectile Dysfunction? Well, you've come to the right place. Here's a list of some of the most common questions we hear from you. Take a look and see if you find what you're looking for.If your question is not listed below, please call at : 905-475-2506
Having erectile dysfunction (ED) means that you have trouble getting or maintaining an erection. Symptoms include:
- Not being able to get an erection every time you want to have sex
- Getting an erection but not being able to keep it
- Not being able to get an erection at all
Poor blood flow to the penis. This is one of the most common causes of ED and can be the result of diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
Nerve damage. When a man is sexually aroused, his brain sends messages to his penis to start the erection process. But if there is nerve damage, these messages cannot be transmitted properly. Thus, conditions that affect the nervous system – like diabetes, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and stroke – can lead to ED. Erectile nerves can also be damaged during cancer treatments, like radiation therapy or radical prostatectomy (removal of the prostate gland).
Hormonal issues. Men with low testosterone or thyroid disorders may have trouble with erections.
Medication side effects. ED is a side effect of some medications, such as those prescribed for high blood pressure, heart disease, peptic ulcers, insomnia, and depression. Not all medications in these categories have sexual side effects, however. For example, some antidepressants do, but other antidepressants do not.
Peyronie’s disease. Peyronie’s disease is a wound healing disorder marked by a distinct curvature of the penis. Many men with Peyronie’s disease develop ED, although experts aren’t sure exactly why.
Psychological and emotional issues.
Marital or relationship discord, anxiety, depression, stress, past sexual abuse, and concerns about sexual performance can all affect one’s sexual well-being. In these cases, sessions with a sex therapist or counselor may help.
A man’s lifestyle can also interfere with his erectile function. Smoking, obesity, drug and alcohol abuse, an unhealthy diet, and poor exercise habits can contribute to other health conditions associated with ED
Most men experience erectile dysfunction (ED) at some point in their lives. Research indicates that up to 50% of men aged 40 to 70 may face some erectile difficulties, with about 30% experiencing long-term issues.
"This condition affects many men and can occur at any age for various reasons,
It's important to understand that erectile dysfunction exists on a spectrum. You might still achieve erections, but they may be weak or brief.
"If you're concerned about not having sufficient rigidity, then you have erectile dysfunction.
As you age, achieving erections can become more challenging due to various medical conditions. "Any health problems that affect normal erectile function can lead to erectile dysfunction, So, as you get older, erectile dysfunction can become more prevalent."
However, you don't have to simply accept this issue. physicians, with particular interest and experience in conditions affecting the urinary tract and reproductive system, can help identify and address the underlying causes.
Cardiovascular disease (heart disease). It’s quite common for men with ED to have cardiovascular disease. The connection usually stems from atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. When a man has an erection, his penis fills with blood. So, to have an erection suitable for sex, he needs to have good blood flow to the penis. Plaque buildup in the arteries from atherosclerosis interferes with this blood flow. With less blood in the penis, a man has erectile dysfunction. Often, ED is a sign of cardiovascular disease, as atherosclerosis usually begins in smaller arteries, such as those in the penis.
Diabetes. Diabetic men may be four times more likely to have ED than men without diabetes. Also, diabetic men may start having erectile problems at a younger age, sometimes 10-15 years earlier than men without diabetes.
High blood sugar from diabetes can damage blood vessels and lead to hardening of the arteries, preventing good blood flow into the penis. It can also cause neuropathy, or nerve damage, which interferes with the transmission of messages between the brain and the penis that start an erection. In addition, diabetes can interfere with the production of nitric oxide, an important chemical for erections. It may also contribute to the stiffening of erectile tissue.
High cholesterol. Too much low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad” cholesterol”) can build up on artery walls, leading to atherosclerosis and erection problems.
Obesity. It’s estimated that obese men are two and a half times more likely to have erectile dysfunction than men who are not obese. Obesity raises a man’s risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes which, in turn, can lead to erectile dysfunction.
Respiratory disorders. Research has shown that men with ED are more than twice as likely to obstructive sleep apnea as men without ED.
ED has also been associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), possibly because of atherosclerosis that develops from smoking cigarettes.
Neurological problems. Because erections depend largely on communication between the brain and penis through a network of nerves, men with neurological problems such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and spinal injuries may have trouble with erections.
Kidney disease. Chemical changes prompted by kidney disease can cause problems with nerve function, hormones, and blood flow, all of which can lead to erectile dysfunction. Some medications used to treat kidney disease can cause ED, too. Liver disease.
Hormones and endocrine disorders ,eg. testosterone, may fluctuate in men with aging, low testosterone , hypogonadism, hyperprolactinemia, thyroid dysfunction, could effect male erection..
Recreational drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes can significantly harm your blood vessels, restricting blood flow to the penis and leading to erectile dysfunction (ED). Poor blood flow may also cause scarring of penile tissue and a potential reduction in length. Substances that can contribute to these issues include:
- Alcohol
- Amphetamines
- Barbiturates
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Methadone
- Nicotine
- Opiates
There are alternatives to drugs and pills when it comes to treating erectile dysfunction (ED). “Focus shock WAVE™ is a shockwave therapy that stimulates the growth of blood vessels in the penis using the body’s natural capacity. It is not a temporary solution as it helps cure the problem of poor penile blood flow.
Psycho-sexual treatments. These approaches may reduce both the man’s and his partner’s anxiety, enhance arousal, and offer pleasurable options, which may reduce the man’s stress. These interventions can be performed separately or parallel to medical treatments.
Oral medications. eg PDE-5 Inhibitor
Penile injections. Men can learn to inject medication into the penis. This medication helps blood vessels dilate, allowing more blood for erection.
Urethral suppositories. These medications are inserted into the urethra at the tip of the penis.
Vacuum erection devices. The man places his penis into a vacuum cylinder and pumps air out. He then places a constriction ring at the base of the penis, which keeps the erection.
Penile implants. Implants (sometimes called penile prostheses) are surgically placed inside the penis and allow a man to get an erection when he wishes. Nowadays, most penile implants are inflatable devices controlled with a pump.
Men who are having trouble with erections are encouraged to see a doctor. It’s not unusual for ED to have a combination of causes. It can also be a sign of a more serious medical condition like diabetes or heart disease, so it’s important to have a complete checkup
Erectile dysfunction often indicates an underlying problem, and addressing this root issue can usually help restore most or all of your sexual function.