Erectile Dysfunction: Risk Factors and Prevention

Erectile dysfunction refers to the inability to have an erection long enough to have sex resulting in ejaculation. It is a common problem for many men, and most men will experience erectile dysfunction briefly at one point in their lives, for a variety of reasons. Being aware of the risks can help you in preventing and treating prolonged erectile dysfunction, so that you and your significant other can always have an enjoyable time in the bedroom.

The Risk Factors

There are a large range of factors that can increase your risk of having erectile dysfunction. They may not necessarily lead to one, but if you fit the description of any of the risk factors, be aware that it could lead to an erectile dysfunction.

1. Age: Most men can have strong erections until they are about 80 years old. However, 80 percent of men who are over the age of 75 tend to have erectile dysfunction. Know that while this sounds like age is the culprit, usually older men are having erectile dysfunctions because of other medical issues they’ve developed with age (high blood pressure, heart issues, etc.)

2. Meds: Certain medications (antidepressants, antihistamines, etc) can cause the nerve impulses or blood flow to your penis to be irregular and cause you to have an erectile dysfunction. If you’re on any medication that you take regularly, including sleeping pills, they can end up causing a problem in sex life.

3. Obesity: If you’re overweight, you are more likely to have an erectile dysfunction than men who are at a normal weight. You might be the bigger man by physical standards, but it can lead to you being the “lesser” man in the bedroom.

4. Substance Abuse and Smoking: If you drink a lot of alcohol, or use marijuana or other drugs, you’re decreasing your sexual drive and leading yourself down the road of erectile dysfunction. Smoking also causes erectile dysfunction because it restricts the blood flow in your body.

5. Biking: If you’re planning to be the next Lance Armstrong, you might want to rethink that. Pressure from a bicycle seat compresses the nerves and blood flow to your penis, and over a long period of time this can lead to temporary erectile dysfunction.

Major health conditions and certain surgeries and injuries can also lead to erectile dysfunction. Unlike the risks above, these are things that you don’t have any control over. However, being aware of the risks and causes of erectile dysfunction can better help you prevent it from happening to you.

Preventing Erectile Dysfunction

The steps to preventing erectile dysfunction are pretty straightforward:
* Stop smoking, avoid illegal drugs and limit the use of alcohol.
* Exercise regularly.
* Reduce stress and get help for anxiety or depression.
* See your doctor regularly and manage diseases, like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease that can lead to erectile dysfunction. Get checkups and screening tests.
* Speak to an medical organisation that specialises in rehabilitating patients with Erectile Dysfunction such as the Institute of Men's Health.

Understanding the basics of this common health issue can enable you to proactively address them.