The effects of Erectile Dysfunction can be mentally and physically scarring. It is time to break the stigma attached to the condition and empower men to seek the help and guidance some may be scared to search for. In this article we open up and focus on the detrimental effects of ED on a man’s mental health, relationships and even physical wellbeing.

Not Coming of Age

A common misconception relating to ED is that it only affects men of a certain age. ED affects men of all ages, with 26% of adult men affected under the age of 40. The erectile problem is more common in men over the age of 40; 50% of men with ED are in their 50’s with 60% in their 60’s presenting with mild to severe effects. Erectile Dysfunction is not related to age and is more common in younger men than you would believe.
Erectile Dysfunction can be caused by many underlying issues, from health problems through to emotional and mental factors. It is important to be checked as soon as you present with any symptoms in order to ensure there’s not a more sinister underlying health matter. 20% of cases seen by GPs have been diagnosed as psychological in nature, often by younger generations affected.

Is it all in Your Head?

The main focus for doctors treating ED within younger males is not only the physical side effects but the effect this disorder has on the individual’s mental health. Males affected by ED have often spoken about the guilt, fear and low self-esteem they feel when unable to achieve or endure an erection. The emotions often related to the disorder frequently link to mental health complaints such as anxiety, depression and in some cases addiction and indifference.
By treating psychological complaints, we could argue that this could lead to the cure for 20% of ED cases in the UK. How can we look into the underlying issue and address this in order for men to achieve a healthy, acceptable sex life?
Doctors are encouraging victims of Erectile Dysfunction to keep a log of thoughts, feelings and even the times they are unable to achieve an erection in order to highlight where the underlying issue is coming from. It is a good idea to keep a log over a month and give this to your GP to see if medication is required or cognitive behavioral therapy commonly known as CBT.
CBT is a psychological therapy in which the patients learn to deal with the effects of issues causing cognitive complaints such as anxiety, depression and even sleep disorders.
CBT is about altering the way you think with regards to certain thoughts, feelings and outcomes. The therapy is based on the idea that the way in which we think and feel about situations has a physical and mental effect on our bodies. Learning to identify and challenge any negative thought processes with the help of a psychologist may enable you to change your behavior, mental and physical status with regards to situations you find stressful. Cognitive behavioral therapy has been known to be an effective treatment for ED cases in patients dealing with the psychological related diagnosis. Your GP will often text for any underlying health issues to ensure the case of ED is not related to physical health problems, if it is determined that your case of Erectile Dysfunction is not physical health related your GP will refer you to a form of CBT therapy.

Is my Relationship to Blame?

It is important to have an open connection when dealing with Erectile Dysfunction in relationships. ED can often affect the emotional health of your sexual partner, by providing a comfortable and open environment to discuss the issue you can deal with the matters as a partnership.
As with the sufferer of ED, their partner will often be faced with anxiety, fear and in some cases depression. The removal of sex from a relationship can often be frustrating for both parties, however, we must also focus on the effects of this for your sexual partner alone.
Self-esteem issues are the biggest side effect of ED on significant others. It is common for partners to feel responsible for the problems their companion faces due to guilt, then frustration follows closely.
It is crucial to discuss your ED with your partner, in order to stress that this is not something they must blame themselves for. In some cases, your relationship or sexual partner may be related to the issue you are facing, however, counseling and CBT therapy may then be diagnosed for both yourself and your significant other to battle this if considered to be the underlying problem.

The Medical Facts

Your GP may carry out further tests in order to diagnose the cause of your Erectile Dysfunction. ED can be a side effect of other underlying physical health problems, it is vital you are checked to ensure the outcome of your ED is correct.
Common causes of Erectile Dysfunction stretch from Obesity through to heart problems and nerve disorders.
In some cases, ED can be an early sign of a serious health problem. Nerve disorders often represent with impotence, loss of bladder control and muscle spasms. Parkinson’s disease can often be first recognised through Erectile Dysfunction in men and loss of sexual appetite.  
Your chances of suffering from ED are up to 90% higher if you are overweight. Obesity affects 62% of adults within the UK and two thirds of men according to statistics from 2018. With the obesity statistics so high in the UK it would be fair to assume that the rise in men suffering from ED is related to this epidemic.
Obesity is linked to many cardiovascular problems. Cholesterol deposits on the walls of arteries and obstructs blood flow to organs, this includes the Penis. A lack of blood flow to the reproductive organs will result in impotence and the affects of Erectile Dysfunction.

Further Medical Links:

• High blood pressure and atherosclerosis
• Medication; blood pressure, anxiety, and depression
• Prostate and bladder surgeries
• Smoking and drinking alcohol

Erectile Dysfunction can be treated with medication. If deemed a physical issue and not mental or related to more complex health problems, your doctor will prescribe medication in order to treat the ED.
ED medications work by stimulating blood flow, which creates an erection. The blood flow enhancing medications are to be taken 60 minutes before intercourse and will be prescribed should you require their assistance.
There are up to four types of blood flow enhancing medications available, all work in the same way however each have different side effects. It is important to be aware of the side effects of each type of medication before going ahead with taking the treatment. Some side effects include, running nose, muscle aches and in some cases green coloured vision.
The medication has been proven to be affective for 80% of men struggling with Erectile Dysfunction. If in any case these medications fail to work, it may be worth looking into alprostadil injections and suppositories.

Discreet, Secure and Understanding

It is important to understand to be open when dealing with Erectile Dysfunction and see that it is a condition which can affected all ages.
We are looking to break the stigma attached to ED and ensure men see it is important and absolutely crucial to contact their GP to discuss the issues they are facing. If you feel you may be suffering from Erectile Dysfunction visit your GP for further diagnosis.
We understand that it may be difficult for you to discuss Erectile Dysfunction with your family doctor, therefor we offer a discreet and secure service in which you can be seen by a qualified GP, diagnosed and prescribed medication if needed all from the comfort of your own home.