5 min read
Anoush Gomes • 20 October, 2022
5 min read
Erectile Dysfunction Handbook
Your comprehensive guide to understanding Erectile Dysfunction.
Erectile Dysfunction is a common sexual disorder – it’s main symptom being the inability to achieve or sustain an erection sufficient enough for sexual intercourse all or most of the time. However, there are various treatment options for ED, and we hope this guide helps you identify and understand your symptoms.
Disclaimer
This handbook is not a substitute for medical advice or self-administered treatment.
If you are experiencing any sexual health concerns such as Erectile Dysfunction, we encourage you to book a call with our sexual heath experts to guide you through your queries and treatment.
Lesson 1
What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erections can occur for one of two reasons that are directly related to how they work. Understanding how the workings of your body contribute to sexual function is critical to care.
It is one of the most common sexual dysfunctions to affect men.
ED can occur broadly due to one of two ways:
- Reduced penis blood flow, nerve supply, fluctuating sex hormones
- Increased stress or mental health conditions
Essentially, Erectile Dysfunction isn’t a disease in itself, but rather a symptom of an underlying condition that may be affecting an individual’s emotional and/ or physical health.
Lesson 2
Erectile Dysfunction Causes
There are various factors that cause Erectile Dysfunction. While most know that physical injury can lead to ED, psychological factors play a huge part as well.
For an individual to have a healthy and sustainable erection, three aspects of the body’s process should be working well.
- The blood flow (BF)
- Nerve supply
- The balance of sex hormones
Problems and/or disruptions in any of these processes can lead to ED.
It can be physical (a ‘hardware’ problem) or psychological (mental health effects – ‘the software’)
Lesson 3
Erectile Dysfunction Symptoms
The severity of ED is determined by how hard the penis is when aroused. Based on this, there are ways to describe the hardness of the penis.
- Severe ED: Penis is not hard.
- Moderate ED: Penis is hard, but not hard enough for penetrative sex.
- Mild ED: Penis is hard enough for penetrative sex, but not rigid.
- No ED: Penis is hard and rigid enough for penetrative sex.
Did you know that low sexual desire could be a symptom of ED? Or that not all cases require physical examination?
Lesson 4
Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosis
The process of undergoing diagnostic tests and imaging helps a professional determine the cause behind the patient’s ED along with ruling out any underlying medical conditions.
The diagnostic process for ED may entail (not every patient with ED needs all the following tests; it is decided on a case-by-case basis):
The diagnostic procedure for ED may include all or some of the following:
- Medical and sexual history evaluation
- Physical examination of external penis anatomy
- Lab tests
- Psychological examination
- Imaging: Ultrasound (US)
Physical examination is not mandatory for diagnosis.
Lesson 5
Erectile Dysfunction Treatment
Here are some of the common treatments prescribed for Erectile Dysfunction.
The two main forms of treatments for ED available are:
- Psychological counselling
- Medicative interventions such as tablets, hormonal treatments, or medical devices.
Lesson 6
How To Prevent Erectile Dysfunction?
Preventing sexual disorders can sound daunting, however, there are various ways that it can be prevented. The key is to understand the common causes behind it.
There are various complications that can occur if Erectile Dysfunction isn’t treated. Besides the possibility of the condition affecting your sex life physically, it can alter your mental health too. It’s important to understand how effective treatment can prevent foreseeable consequences.
Lesson 7
Foods and Diet For Erectile Dysfunction
Bad diets can lead to conditions such as increased body mass and obesity as well – both risk factors for ED. Maintaining a healthy body weight allows for great heart and blood vessel health as well. For improvement in erectile function to be noticed, dietary caution is a valid medical advice – for anyone, in fact. Reducing Erectile Dysfunction risk is notably challenging with popularised foods around us – but we’ve made a list for you to begin with.
Did you know that there is evidence that reveals an association between different diets and men’s sexual health?
Lesson 8
Erectile Dysfunction Exercises
Exercising can greatly improve physical health – including cardiovascular, blood vessel and blood flow help. It helps prevent chronic conditions such as vascular disease, kidney diseases, blood pressure concerns etc – all of which can help with an improvement in erectile functioning among patients with erectile dysfunction.
A healthy lifestyle is imperative for sexual functioning, even though it is commonly ignored. Physical inactivity is discouraged as it adds to the common risks associated with ED.
Lesson 9
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Erectile Dysfunction
The treatment outcome of CBT depends on the course and type of simultaneous treatments (if and wherever required) that are also prescribed by health care professionals. These could include medicative interventions or prescribed drug treatment (such as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors), hormonal therapy, and medical conditions treatment.
Understanding mindful focus, improving attitudes towards sex, understanding constructive communication and encouraging positive beliefs about sex is part of psychological counselling.
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