Erectile Dysfunction which is known to be a common male sexual disorder, can severely hamper men’s sexual as well as general well-being. ED can happen to any men, from older to younger and no one is 100% safe from this condition. In this article, we will explore the potential causes of ED. We will also see how this condition used to be treated in ancient times as well as how it is treated in modern era.
Erectile Dysfunction has a number of underlying causes. Different men may suffer from ED due to different reasons.
Lack of Nitric oxide: Nitric oxide plays a vital role in the erectile function of men. Reduced level of nitric oxide in the body can result in the decreased blood flow in the penis and ultimately cause ED.
Ageing: Ageing is probably the most common cause of ED around world. As men age, they start to face difficulties in obtaining strong erections. That’s why most ED patients around the world happen to be older in age. There are a number of physical reasons why older men are more vulnerable to this issue as immune system gets weaker as people age. However, there is no surety that every man will suffer from ED as they age, as there are thousands of older men who have healthy erectile function.
Diabetes: Diabetes is also a major cause of Erectile dysfunction in men. Studies have found that men with diabetes are more vulnerable to suffer from ED than others. Diabetes can be responsible for damage in the blood vessels over the long term, which can significantly impair blood flow in the penile tissues.
Hypertension: Hypertension or high blood pressure in the long run can damage the blood vessels and arteries that supply blood to the penile tissues. Due to damaged blood vessels and arteries, sufficient blood circulation in the penis can get compromised. Which is why many men around the world with high blood pressure, also suffer from Erectile Dysfunction.
Obesity: Obesity is a major issue in modern world, as the number of obese people is in the rise in almost every country. Obesity can cause a number of physical issues including ED. As obesity can also damage the blood vessels and impair the blood flow in the tissues of penis.
Lack of Sex Drive: Lack of sexual urge can make it difficult for any men to achieve strong erections. If there is not enough sexual desire, the brain may not send adequate signals to the penis and the erection process may get hampered in the process. Testosterone hormone regulates the sexual urge in men and a lack of enough testosterone hormone can cause low libido or decreased sex drive.
Stress or Anxiety: To achieve strong erection, a man has to have a sound mind as well. A calm and relaxed mind helps men to erections more easily. Issues like stress, anxiety or depression destroy such peace of mind and can make it increasingly difficult for any men to obtain erection.
Nerve Damage: Accidents or penile injuries can cause nerve damage in the penis, which can also make it extremely hard for a man to get his penis erected. Because damaged penile nerves can impair proper blood flow within the penis.
1. Ancient Civilizations (3000 BCE - 500 CE): The earliest recorded mentions of erectile dysfunction date back to ancient civilizations. In ancient China, herbal remedies were used to treat ED, and traditional Chinese medicine included treatments for sexual dysfunction. In ancient Greece and Rome civilization, physicians like Hippocrates and Galen discussed this issue, but couldn’t figure out proper effective ED treatments.
2. Medieval and Renaissance Period (500 CE - 1600 CE): During the Middle Ages, a mix of religious, supernatural and medical beliefs influenced the understanding of ED. Some considered it a sin, while others believed it to be a physical ailment. Treatments included herbal concoctions, bloodletting, and even the use of animal parts.
3. Early Modern Era (1600 CE - 1800 CE): The Enlightenment period saw a shift towards more scientific explanations for impotence. Pioneering figures like John Marten and Ambroise Paré contributed to the understanding of sexual anatomy and physiology.
4. 19th and Early 20th Century: This period saw the emergence of various mechanical devices to treat ED, such as vacuum constriction devices. Chemical treatments also emerged this era, including the use of nitro-glycerine, which later pave the way for the development of nitric oxide-based medications.
5. Late 20th Century: The late 20th century brought significant advancements in the treatment of ED with the introduction of a wide range of pharmaceutical solutions. In 1998, the FDA approved sildenafil (commonly known as Viagra), revolutionizing the management of ED. This marked a major breakthrough, offering a more accessible and effective treatment option.
Oral medicines: The most often prescribed ED treatments worldwide are oral PDE-5 inhibitors like Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra. These drugs can increase blood flow to the penile tissues, which helps men get powerful erection. However, there are a variety of adverse effects that these drugs may cause. Because of this, it is essential to get advice from a qualified medical expert before using these medications.
Stress management: Some men may find great success in overcoming erectile dysfunction by managing psychological problems like stress, depression, body image issues etc. Patients can engage in sex therapy or counselling to treat such psychological problems.
Management of Underlying Health Problems: If diabetes, hypertension, or obesity are the underlying causes of ED, then treating these disorders effectively can be very helpful in treating ED. However, if more long-lasting harm results from such problems, then simply managing these illnesses well might not be adequate.
Vacuum Pumps: Vacuum pumps for erectile dysfunction are also a good option. Patients may operate these pumps at home on their own, and it's a non-invasive procedure. This procedure uses a pump to induce suction in the penis, bringing blood into the penile tissues to aid with erection. The erection is then maintained for a longer amount of time by using a constriction ring.
Shockwave Therapy and EMTT Therapy: Shockwave therapy is a recently developed ED treatment that uses specific acoustic waves to create new blood vessels and improve blood flow in the penis. Plaques in the penis can also be removed with shockwave treatment. It is a non-invasive therapy method with no major negative side effects. This treatment can also have long-term positive effects. Shockwave therapy for ED can be used in conjunction with EMTT therapy claims, MansMatters, a specialized men’s health clinic located in London, UK. EMTT therapy is also a non-invasive ED treatment, and it utilizes strong magnetic field to further improve blood flow in the penis. MansMatters provides others ED treatments as well, including NaniVi and Tesla Chair.
NanoVi: NanoVi is another non-invasive treatment procedure for ED which aids in the recovery process of the damaged cells and their DNA by strengthening the immune system of the body. This treatment procedure is also compatible with shockwave therapy and EMTT therapy.
Penile Implant: A penile implant is a last-resort option that is only recommended when all other conventional therapies have failed. The process is invasive. Penile implants do, however, have some significant negative effects. Additionally, penile implants prevent men from getting a natural erection.
There is no way to fully prevent this condition, but the risk of suffering from it can be considerably reduced by leading a healthy lifestyle. Regular physical exercise, abstaining from smoking, drinking and eating healthy nutritious foods can reduce your chances of suffering from ED.
Although ED can not be fully prevented, there are a wide range of treatments available that can combat this issue effectively. If you are suffering from ED, then don’t lose hope. Seek medical help and with proper management, you can definitely hope to get treated from this disease.