ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION: A QUICK-START GUIDE
WHAT IS ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION?
Simply put, erectile dysfunction (impotence) means being unable to get – or keep – an erection long enough to have sex. This looks slightly different to every sufferer, but if it’s been going on for a while, and is beginning to interfere with your sex life, relationship, or self-confidence levels, it may be time to take on the next phase with the help of a medical provider.
Many men struggle to get an erection from time to time, whether that’s caused by the temporary effects of a medication or the stress of work bleeding into their home life. This is normal, and usually doesn’t require further investigation. But, if you find that it lasts for over six months, you may be one of the 30 million men in the US with erectile dysfunction.
It’s not uncommon for men to avoid treatment due to embarrassment, but erectile dysfunction is a surprisingly frequent concern, especially in men over 40. In fact, 26% of men under the age of 40 experience – or have experienced – erectile dysfunction, compared to 40% of men at the age of 40, and 70% of men at the age of 70. Thankfully, there is a menu of treatment options with great success rates, making this a small blip in an otherwise seamless sex life.
SYMPTOMS OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
There is one key sign that points to erectile dysfunction, but first, it’s important to rule out sexual performance anxiety; the niggling worries that affect up to 25% of men. If you’re having trouble climaxing, worrying before, during, or after sex, or have a history of climaxing too early (premature ejaculation), performance anxiety may be the cause. If not, here is the symptom to keep an eye on:
Naturally, difficulty getting, or maintaining, an erection is the most obvious symptom – and the one that causes a lot of worry. Surprisingly to many, erectile dysfunction doesn’t necessarily mean that you never experience erections, although that is the case for some. Many men with erectile dysfunction can get an erection, such as when they wake up, during some sexual encounters, and for a short period, but not long enough to have sex. There is no hard-and-fast rule.
ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION TREATMENT
We’ve all heard of medications that help – or ‘the little blue pill’ – but prescription drugs aren’t the only path towards a healthy sex life. Depending on the cause, there are lots of treatment options available, from taking therapy to combat emotional causes and healthy lifestyle changes for permanent results to vacuum pumps for a more natural route. There is no one-size-fits-all, so it’s always best to get a treatment plan tailored to you.
CAUSES OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
HOW LONG DOES TEMPORARY ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION LAST?
To be diagnosed with erectile dysfunction, the DSM-V states that the issue needs to have been ongoing for at least six months. However, it’s not uncommon to experience short bouts of erectile dysfunction, usually caused by external factors.
For example, you may find it difficult to maintain an erection due to a medication, which often lasts until the course is complete. In other cases, stress can stop your brain’s messages from getting to your penis, which may continue until your stresses fade. Other times, drinking a little too much alcohol is the cause, which often subsides once you reduce your alcohol intake. If you’re not sure what the cause of your erectile dysfunction is, getting to the root cause with the help of a medical provider should be the first step.
CAN STD CAUSE ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION?
Yes, if left untreated. Many of the most common STDs, from HIV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia to hepatitis can cause infections in the prostate gland. In turn, this may cause erectile dysfunction.
DOES MEDICARE COVER ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION TREATMENT?
No – but all hope is not lost. While Medicare doesn’t cover some medications that may help, penis pumps, injections, or surgery, accessing the right treatment isn’t as difficult or expensive as you might think. We pride ourselves on efficient, wallet-friendly, convenient care, allowing you to chat with a doctor from the comfort of your home. No waits. No daunting bills. Just friendly support, at your fingertips. Click HERE to get started.
We don’t like long waits, and when it comes to your health, neither should you. If you’re experiencing symptoms of erectile dysfunction, from a complete loss of erections to not feeling as erect as you used to, our doctors can help from the comfort of your home. Quick, affordable, and convenient – the way it should be.
