“Everything in the world is about sex except sex. Sex is about POWER”- Oscar Wilde
There are certain situations where men feel powerless when it comes to sex. They are afraid to embrace their sexuality or explore new options, insecure in their romantic relationships all the while battling with low self esteem because of Erectile Dysfunction. Though not openly discussed (as it should be), Erectile Dysfunction or ED is quite among men. Lets highlight a few facts regarding ED , dispel certain myths and the shame associated with it.
WHAT IS ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION?
It is a condition when a man is unable to keep his penis firm or erect enough to engage in sexual intercourse.
WHAT ARE THE causes?
The factors which contribute to ED can be physical as well as emotional.
PHYSICAL FACTORS :
- Clogged blood vessels (Atherosclerosis).
- High blood pressure.
- Cardiovascular disease.
- Diabetes.
- Obesity.
- Sleep disorders.
- Enlarged prostrate.
- Parkinson’s disease.
- Multiple sclerosis.
- Alcohol or drug abuse.
- Certain prescribed anxiety and antidepressant medications.
PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS :
The brain controls the body. It also plays a vital role in pleasure and arousal .So if you are suffering from :
- Depression.
- Anxiety.
- Stress.
- Complications (intimacy problems) in your relationship ,you may consider these factors.
DIAGNOSIS :
ED is usually self diagnosed. But be smart about it and visit a doctor if you want it to be treated correctly. A doctor will first perform a physical exam and ask you questions regarding your medical history . If that does not suffice he /she will order for
- Blood tests which will identify your testosterone levels , blood sugar levels or any kind of underlying heart conditions.
- An ultrasound might be necessary to check the blood flow in your body.
- Urine tests (urinalysis) are performed to identify any underlying conditions.
Your doctor may also prescribe certain oral medications like :
- Tadalafil (Adcirca,Cialis)
- Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn)
- Avanafil (Stendra)
- Sildenafil (Viagra)
These oral medications are not aphrodisiacs. You will not automatically get an erection after its intake. Foreplay plays an important part here. The above mentioned medications enahances the effect of nitric oxide in your body which facilitates the relaxation of muscles in the penis. This in turn allows a proper blood supply down there.
Statistics :
According to the American Medical Association (AMA) , about 30 million people in the US suffer from ED.Though this condition usually affected men of age 50 plus earlier, it is becoming increasingly common among men in their 20s and 30s.The main reason behind this is lifestyle habits like drinking, smoking ,lack of exercise and anti depressants.For married men who want children,ED will hinder their chances of getting their spouses pregnant. For the rest, it results in an unsatisfactory sex life where the man is unable to meet the needs of his partner. This often reduces his libido and makes him abstain from sex in general.
Intimacy :
The consequences of such a withholding can be damaging to your relationship. Since a romantic relationship calls for both emotional and physical intimacy ,the lack of either could lead to estrangement and miscommunication. In order to avoid this, it’s important that you first talk to your partner frankly regarding the issue .Your insecurities and concerns are valid.
Performance anxiety :
ED can also arise from ‘ performance anxiety’. To deal with this, make sure you engage in physical inter ourse in a place where you feel comfortable ,safe and secure. The ambience ,the mood , the vibe – all this is important for making your body feel at ease.
The stigma associated with ED :
It has been engrained in the psyche of men that sex is an act of acquisition rather than an act of pleasure/love. This wrong notion makes men feel that if they are unable to engage in it, they are powerless. Before you give in to disillusion and self loathing, remember that you are more than your ED. So your value is not limited to how you perform in bed but how you are as a person on the whole. Keeping this in mind and pushing aside the embarrassment, if you happen to suffer from ED, I hope you muster up the courage to see a doctor and a therapist to get it treated. Sex is not the be all and the end all of the universe. But your body, your confidence and your pleasure is.