3 Common Erectile Dysfunction Symptoms, and What You Can Do About It

October 14, 2020 by Amy H 0 comments

Reading Time: 4 mins

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Erectile dysfunction is a problem wherein the affected is unable to achieve an erection. This problem presents itself in a number of severities, with some of the affected being completely unable to achieve erection and others dealing with the problem on a sporadic basis.

Interested in learning more about erectile dysfunction? Then read on. We’re going to discuss erectile dysfunction causes, erectile dysfunction symptoms, and more below.

Common Erectile Dysfunction Symptoms

There are a number of symptoms that could signify erectile dysfunction. These include the following.

1. Trouble Maintaining an Erection

Perhaps the most common symptom of erectile dysfunction is a difficulty maintaining an erection. So, for instance, if you’re able to get an erection and begin to have sex, but aren’t able to finish the session, you would be suffering from ED.

This comes in many severities. Whereas some men can maintain an erection for minutes, others have trouble getting past a few seconds. In either case, it’s a problem and one that needs to be rectified.

2. Inability to Achieve an Erection

The rarest form of ED is the one in which an erection can’t be achieved at all. And because of this, sex can’t even be pursued.

This is more common in older men, though it can appear in younger men as well. There are a number of factors behind it, but perhaps the most prominent of them is poor blood flow to the penis.

3. Loss of Libido

Generally speaking, erections are paired with sexual desires. As such, if you’re not feeling any sexual desire, you might have trouble achieving an erection.

A number of factors can lead to this, including depression, anxiety, and low testosterone levels. It can be temporary, though is sometimes a long-term problem as well.

What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?

There are a variety of factors that can cause erectile dysfunction, some of which are more prominent than others. We’ll discuss the most prominent of these factors below.

Poor Blood Flow

One of the most common causes of erectile dysfunction is poor blood flow. This stands to reason, as a strong flow of blood is necessary to spur on an erection.

This is also one of the many reasons that older men are more prone to erectile dysfunction. They tend to suffer from conditions that cause poor blood flow. ED is a common result.

Depression

Another cause of erectile dysfunction is depression. Depression can lower a man’s libido drastically, preventing him from becoming aroused. When a man can’t become aroused, he’s going to have trouble achieving an erection.

Note, depression-based ED is generally temporary. If you seek treatment for your depression, you might be able to get out of the rut you’ve found yourself in.

Anxiety

Not only can depression lead to erectile dysfunction, but so too can anxiety. This includes any type of anxiety, from work-related stress to a fear of sex and more. Anxiety can cloud the mind, preventing full arousal and stifling the ability to achieve an erection.

Like depression-related ED, anxiety-related ED is typically temporary. Psychological treatment usually works to treat it.

Obesity

Obesity is a common cause of ED as well. Why is this? Because the more fat you carry, the lower your testosterone will be and testosterone levels are directly tied to the ability to achieve an erection.

Lose weight and you’ll likely have more success in the bedroom. That is unless there’s another problem at hand.

Alcohol Consumption

Like to drink alcohol? Just know that the consumption of it could lead to erectile dysfunction, particularly when you’re under its effects.

That said, alcohol consumption can lead to long-term ED as well, especially in those who drink frequently. Your best bet is to moderate your consumption and to prevent yourself from drinking on night’s that sex might occur.

Medication Use

There are a variety of medications that can cause erectile dysfunction. These run the gamut from antidepressants to antihistamines to blood pressure medications and more.

Often times, the symptoms die down after the body has acclimated itself to the medication. Note, though, that in some cases, ED remains until the medication is no longer taken.

How to Combat Erectile Dysfunction

There are a number of ways to combat erectile dysfunction. The most effective methods will be discussed below.

Take ED Medications

Perhaps the most common method for combating erectile dysfunction is to take ED medications. These medications are specifically designed to increase blood flow to the penis while also spurring on arousal. They’re highly effective and help millions of men enjoy sex into their twilight years.

Some of the most popular ED medications include Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis. Note, though, that there are a variety of others available as well.

Exercise Regularly

Many cases of ED are linked to a lack of exercise. Whether they be caused by obesity, depression, anxiety, or otherwise, exercising regularly can go a long way in treating them.

Try to hit the gym at least 3 days a week for 30 to 45 minutes at a time. Engage not only in weightlifting and resistance training but in cardio as well.

Eat Right

Your diet can drastically affect your ability to achieve an erection as well. As such, you need to make sure that you’re eating right. Make sure to eat foods from all of the major food groups, while avoiding trouble foods that are high in sugars and starches.

Keep away from alcohol as well, or, at the very most, drink it in moderation.