If you've been struggling with symptoms of erectile dysfunction but you've been reluctant to talk with a doctor, you're not alone. Many men are uncomfortable having those conversations with their medical care providers. Unfortunately, most men also don't understand the level of risk that can come from not addressing this type of problem from the outset. Erectile dysfunction can affect far more than just your sex life. Here's a look at some of the common causes of erectile problems so that you can understand the importance of addressing them right away.
Certain Medications
There are some medications that can affect circulation and blood pressure, and those medications sometimes can cause erectile issues. If you're taking any medications, check the side effects or ask your doctor if ED is a common problem. If so, you may be able to switch to a different medication to alleviate your symptoms.
Weight Struggles
Another thing that can cause erectile dysfunction is obesity. Not only does excess weight increase your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other similar health concerns, but it also can affect your ability to get and sustain an erection. If you are starting to experience ED symptoms and have been struggling with your weight, it's important to talk with your doctor about ways to address your weight safely to reduce the long-term health effects.
Hormonal Fluctuations/Endocrine Disorders
Many endocrine disorders that disrupt your body's hormone balance can lead to erectile dysfunction. For example, thyroid conditions, testosterone production problems, diabetes, and similar hormone issues can affect your erectile health. Your doctor can run the necessary bloodwork to see if this is the culprit and help you with proper treatment if so. Since hormonal imbalances like these can have dangerous effects on other aspects of your health, it's important to address them.
Heart Disease
Perhaps the most serious of the causes of erectile dysfunction, heart disease is a very real risk and one that you shouldn't ignore. When you are suffering from heart disease, you may not even know it in the early stages, but blockages in your arteries can disrupt the circulation necessary to get and maintain an erection. Sometimes, addressing your ED problems can uncover heart disease, potentially saving your life.
These are some of the conditions that can lead to erectile dysfunction for a variety of reasons. Understanding some of the things that can cause erectile issues can help you to appreciate why you should address these symptoms as soon as possible with your doctor.
Contact a local ED doctor for more information.
Share29 July 2022
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