The condition erectile dysfunction explains a range of disorders but usually refers to the difficulty in obtaining a good erection for a satisfied sexual activity.

Erectile dysfunction is not only a symptom of physical problem but is often accompanied with emotional stress and trauma which in turn affects the mental health in men. If the erectile dysfunction is persistent, it will interfere with the sexual life of men causing a lot of stress and depression

 What are the physical causes for erectile dysfunction? 

• Diabetic neuropathy nerve damage due to diabetes
• Cardio-vascular disorders affecting the blood supply to the pelvis
• Side-effects of some type of medications
• Due to surgeries for cancer of the prostate
• Injury to the spinal cord causing fracture
• Multiple-sclerosis
• Male hormone disorders also affect mental health. Erectile dysfunction may be caused by low levels of the testosterone hormone.
• The deposits and accumulation of plaques in the arteries also can prevent enough blood from entering the penis. Moreover, the penis and the strength of the erection are the male essentials for overall health
• Use of alcohol and other forms of drug abuse
• The first symptoms of an underlying medical problem
• Damage to the nerves which control erections can cause erectile dysfunction. These nerves damage can occur if you had injured to your pelvic area or spinal cord.
• Operative procedures done for rectal, prostate cancer, bladder, can increase your risk of erectile dysfunction.
• Bicycling for a long time that is for an over an extended period. Pressure from a bi-cycle seat has been shown to compress nerves and blood flow to the penis, leading to erectile dysfunction and penile numbness.

What are the psychological causes for erectile dysfunction? 

• Depression, stress, fatigue, and anxiety which effect mental health
• Resentment feelings such as feelings that you express toward your sexual partner or that are expressed by your sexual partner towards you can be a factor in erectile dysfunction.
• Lack of interest, libido, low self esteem, a feeling of insecurity about a circumstance.
• The effects of a past sexual trauma.
• Lack of communication or conflict with your partner

How is the condition of erectile dysfunction diagnosed?

 A medical assessment is done when a man reveals about erectile dysfunction to his health-care professional. The assessment may include a physical and psychological examination. Laboratory tests are done to rule out certain diseases.

 Sometimes, a test known as nocturnal penile tumescence or erection self test is performed. This evaluation is done to see if erections occur during nocturnal period. When test confirms that erections occur, it can indicate the problem is psychological affecting mental health rather than the physical problem

 Another test, known as color phase ultra-zoography may be done. This test assesses the blood flow to the penis.

 What are the treatments for the condition?

 Before starting any treatment, the underlying conditions which may cause the erectile dysfunction should be treated. This includes counseling or sexual therapy for men whose erectile dysfunction roots from mental health problems. Medical intervention for physical causes of erectile dysfunction should progress gradually step by step.

 Erectile dysfunction treatment may include:  

1. Applying a vacuum pump device to draw blood into the penis
2. Taking oral prescribed medications and herbal products, such as Viagra
3. Injecting pro-stacyclin E into the penis
4. Operation performed to improve blood flow to the penis
5. Implants to inflate prostheses into the penis
6. Behavior modification therapy and psychotherapy are also suggested along with drug therapy.
7. Surgical procedures, vacuum devices, implant depending on the severity of the issue.
8. Quitting smoke, alcohol will improve your erection problems. Mental health of men gets affected to a greater extent due erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction and Men’s health is a post from: Mental Health