Okay fellas, this is a subject none of us want to talk about – erectile dysfunction.
Despite the fact that this is definitely a taboo subject, it is important for all of us, to be aware of what the implications of erectile dysfunction are, and to recognise that despite the fact we might feel like a failure if this happens to us, there could be lots of reasons behind it, and with a few tweaks, you can get yourself back on track, and move from zero to hero.
So, let’s begin by defining just what we mean when we use the term “erectile dysfunction”.
According to healthline, erectile dysfunction is the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse. It’s also sometimes referred to as impotence.
Further to this, know that if you are battling to get it up, you aren’t alone.
Sexual Health Australia tells us that global estimates show that around 100 million men have some form of erectile dysfunction, and here in Australia, it’s estimated that at any given time, it affects around one million of all ages.
Risk of erectile dysfunction does increase with age, and data shows that in general, around 40% of men have difficulties at age 40, 50% at 50, 60% at 60 and 70% at 70.
So far, it’s not sounding great, but if you are living with impotence, there are a few things you can learn about yourself, and a few ways to address the issue that we’ll discuss below.
Causes of erectile dysfunction
Let’s get this straight (sorry about the pun!), there are reasons and causes of erectile dysfunction, and sometimes it can be a sign of something more sinister.
So, what might be causing your impotence?
Both physical factors, and psychological (or mental) factors can lead to erectile dysfunction. These include a whole host of illnesses, and even medications.
Here’s a list of some of the most common physical influences of erectile dysfunction:
- Diabetes
- Prostate disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- High blood pressure
- An under-active thyroid gland (hypothyroidism)
- Alcohol (usually too much, but any amount can play a role)
- Obesity
- Damage from injury, or surgery
- Your age (as you get older, your likelihood of impotence increases)
- Drug use
- Smoking
- And, certain medicines – ask your doctor about this when you are being prescribed a medicine.
And here are a few psychological factors that might be playing a role in impotence:
- Unresolved problems, conflicts or issues within a sexual and emotional relationship
- Anxiety about sexual performance
- Clinical depression
- Stress
So, if you are battling with any of the above issues, it’s important to talk to your doctor or reach out to a counsellor or therapist to find out more. It’s not manly to avoid the doctor, and believe me, if the doc can help you out here, you’ll be thanking them pretty soon!
There are lots of medications, and natural therapies available today, as well as techniques (we aren’t going to get into these here) to treat impotence, so, don’t be embarrassed to ask.
Now, before we go, there is something else we need to discuss, and if impotence alone isn’t enough to get you to see your doctor, we hope the below might convince you.
Beyond being a problem on its own, erectile dysfunction can also be a warning sign for more sinister health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, prostate cancer, and an enlarged prostate among other things, so, boys, if you are experiencing some form of erectile dysfunction, it’s important to man up, and speak with your doctor today, because beyond doing your partner a favour, you’ll be doing your health an even bigger favour.
Cheers boys, now, let’s get back to talking about the football, or the fight coming up this weekend.