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What is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, can be defined as a natural condition where a man’s penis cannot become erect when attempting sexual intercourse. It also refers to a man’s inability to maintain an erection during sex.

Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction

• There are two primary methods to treat erectile dysfunction: medication and lifestyle changes.
• The most effective and safest medications for erectile dysfunction available on the market include Viagra, Iqnyde, Cialis, and Levitra, which can be obtained from pharmacies. A cream called alprostadil can also be used by patients with erectile dysfunction.
• Alprostadil helps widen blood vessels in the penis, improving blood flow to the area.
• This cream should be applied to the tip and around the penis 5 to 30 minutes before sexual activity. A small syringe is provided to help patients use this cream effectively.
• Alprostadil injections were commonly used by patients before oral medications became widely available. Patients are taught to inject the drug at the base of the penis, which helps improve blood flow and causes an erection within 15 minutes. Unlike oral PDE5 inhibitors, an erection can occur without sexual arousal.
• Alprostadil pellets, which resemble small bullets, can be inserted into the urethral opening. This medication is absorbed quickly, helping to achieve an erection within about 15 minutes.
• Vacuum devices apply a vacuum to facilitate an erection. Patients insert the penis into a plastic vacuum device provided by a doctor, and the remaining air is drawn out.
• This helps pump blood into the penis, resulting in an erection. Once an erection is achieved, a rubber ring is placed at the base of the penis to maintain it, and the vacuum device is removed before sexual intercourse. The rubber ring should be released within 30 minutes to avoid swelling.
• In cases of severe erectile dysfunction, surgery may be considered to insert a permanent rod into the penis. Lifestyle changes are also a key component of erectile dysfunction treatment, which includes regular exercise, a healthy diet, and stress management.

How Do Erectile Dysfunction Drugs Work?

• To understand how erectile dysfunction drugs work, it is essential to understand the process of achieving an erection.
• When a person becomes sexually aroused, signals are sent from the brain to the penis through the nervous system to produce an erection. These signals also help dilate blood vessels in the penis, leading to an increase in blood flow to the organ.
• The expanding arteries press against surrounding tissues and capillaries, preventing blood from leaving the penis, resulting in an erection.
• Erectile dysfunction drugs help facilitate this process if an underlying condition prevents the person from achieving or maintaining an erection as desired. Any disease that disrupts the nervous or circulatory system can impede this process.
• Other conditions, such as hormonal imbalances, can also cause erectile dysfunction. It is recommended to consult with doctors to understand the effects and side effects of erectile dysfunction drugs, which can be found on the website www.doctoroncall.com.my

What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?

• The identifiable causes of erectile dysfunction often include inadequate blood flow or a blockage that limits or interrupts blood flow, leading to an unsatisfactory erection.
• Conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, which can narrow blood vessels, may reduce blood flow.
• Mental health issues like depression and anxiety also negatively impact blood flow. Hormones such as testosterone, endorphins, and thyroid hormones play a crucial role in erection, and injuries directly to the genitals can also affect blood flow.
• Liver and kidney failure can also affect hormone levels. Parkinson’s disease, which reduces dopamine levels, can disrupt the ability to maintain an erection.
• Side effects from drugs like amphetamines and barbiturates, as well as illicit drug use (marijuana, cocaine), also contribute to erectile dysfunction. For more details, please consult a doctor at www.doctoroncall.com.my

How to Prevent Erectile Dysfunction?

• Erectile dysfunction can be prevented through healthier lifestyle choices, including exercising more frequently, maintaining a healthy diet, managing stress, quitting smoking, and keeping blood pressure and diabetes under control.
• Additionally, the use of illicit drugs like marijuana and cocaine, as well as alcohol consumption, can negatively impact blood flow to the penis.
• Hormone levels may also drop, leading to erectile dysfunction and reduced satisfaction during sexual intercourse.
• Therefore, it is advisable to consult a doctor to adopt a healthier lifestyle and receive essential guidance regarding impotence.

Who is at Risk for Erectile Dysfunction?

The risk factors for erectile dysfunction are similar to those for cardiovascular diseases (heart and blood vessel-related conditions) and include:

• Lack of exercise
• Obesity
• Smoking
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Metabolic syndrome
• Diabetes

Those who exhibit any of these risk factors should begin making changes immediately. For more information, consult a doctor at www.doctoroncall.com.my