Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the inability to maintain an erection that is firm enough for satisfactory sexual intercourse. ED is actually quite common, affecting nearly estimated 30 million men in the United States. Although it can affect any age, erectile dysfunction is most common in men over the age of 40. Some symptoms related to ED include persistent trouble getting and keeping an erection and a reduced desire for sexual interaction.

So what causes erectile dysfunction? According to the Mayo Clinic, male sexual arousal involves the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles and blood vessels, and if any of these areas aren’t fully functional, erectile dysfunction can occur.

Erectile dysfunction is a significant issue, and not just because it limits your sexual ability. The inability to get or keep an erection can be an early sign that there is a more serious underlying issue. This is why it is important to receive treatment as soon as possible.

If you suspect you have erectile dysfunction, take our ED quiz.

ED Symptom Checker Quiz

Common Symptoms of ED

  • – Achieving an erection sometimes but not every time you want to have intercourse
  • – Achieving an erection, but not having it last long enough for intercourse
  • – Inability to achieve an erection at any time
  • – Distress for the man and his partner
  • – Unsatisfactory sex life
  • – Reduced sex drive (libido)
  • – Fear of sexual failure
  • – Relationship conflicts
  • – Low self-esteem
  • – Embarrassment
  • – Depression
  • – Anxiety
  • – Stress
  • – Guilt

Common Causes of ED

To understand what causes erectile dysfunction, it’s important to know first that they can be both physical and psychological. These causes include:

  • – Obesity
  • – Diabetes
  • – High cholesterol
  • – Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • – Heart disease and narrowing blood vessels
  • – Atherosclerosis
  • – Parkinson’s disease
  • – Low testosterone
  • – Enlarged prostate
  • – Smoking tobacco
  • – Alcoholism or substance abuse
  • – Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea
  • – Hormonal disorders (i.e. thyroid conditions, testosterone deficiency, etc.)
  • – Treatments for prostate disease
  • – Injuries in the pelvic area or spinal cord
  • – Radiation therapy to the pelvic region
  • – Peyronie disease
  • – Multiple sclerosis

Although most causes are medical, there are also some psychological factors that could cause or contribute to symptoms of ED, including:

  • – Guilt
  • – Fear of intimacy
  • – Depression
  • – Severe anxiety

Tips For Reducing Your Risk of ED

Although erectile dysfunction can be embarrassing, cause stress or anxiety, and even lead to an unsatisfactory sex life, it is easily treatable. Making healthier lifestyle choices can help manage the existing health conditions that may be causing ED symptoms.

To limit your risk of ED, it’s recommended to maintain good physical and emotional health. Some ways to reduce your risk of ED include:

  • – Eating healthy
  • – Losing excess weight
  • – Exercising regularly
  • – Avoiding tobacco use
  • – Avoiding excess alcohol use
  • – Managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels
  • – Treating depression and anxiety

ED Treatment Options: Oral Medications, ED Injections and More

For those still struggling with ED despite making healthier lifestyle choices, additional treatment options may be necessary. Fortunately, there are several medication options to discuss with your healthcare provider that can help you achieve a satisfactory life.

Common ED treatment options include consumable tablets and localized injectables, such as penile injections.

Olympia Pharmaceuticals compounds various forms of popular oral ED medications, including:

  • – Sildenafil (comparable to Viagra)
  • – Vardenafil (comparable to Levitra)
  • – Tadalafil (comparable to Cialis)

Another popular and fast-acting option we offer is Trimix, available in more than 40 combinations. Trimix is an injectable medication that has undergone full stability studies and cGMP testing for every batch.

Erectile dysfunction injections like Trimix are beneficial for most men experiencing ED symptoms. They are particularly ideal for those who cannot take, have not had good results with, or have experienced severe side effects from oral tablets like Viagra®, Levitra® or Cialis®.

Learn More About Trimix

 

Want to connect with others seeking answers to their erectile dysfunction questions? Join our Facebook Group.