Years ago, women were the only ones cringing with embarrassment because of television advertisements for ‘private’ products that would interrupt their favorite sitcom. There’s nothing quite like sitting down with the family for a few primetime laughs and finding yourself trying to explain away period cramps or vaginal dryness to your 5 year old. But today, the embarrassment has come full circle with primetime ads now targeting some of the personal problems experienced by men. Now, along with explaining the birds and the bees to your kiddos you will also be trying to figure out a way to tell them what Viagra is.
All joking aside, erectile dysfunction is an extremely common problem of men, characterized by inability to get an erection, to maintain an erection and even premature ejaculation. According to WebMd, around 18 million men are diagnosed and treated for erectile dysfunction each and every year. The problem is that nobody is talking about it. Most men experiencing any problems with their manhood, aren’t keen on running to the doctor or discussing their issues with buddies around the water cooler at work. And women, who often complain that their sex lives are lack luster because it is seemingly over before it started, are unsure how to approach their male partners and discuss the issue without throwing a Katniss sized arrow through their pride.
Erectile dysfunction is caused by many, many reasons. So accordingly, there is no cure all for every man. Sometimes it is related to medications that they may be taken. Other times it is due to hormonal imbalances in the brain and nervous system. Many people experience problems with erectile dysfunction as a side effect from another medical condition, an injury, or a surgery. Drugs, alcohol, and tobacco can also cause problems with erections. For other people the culprit are issues with the prostate, some as serious as cancer or low testosterone levels. Truth is, erectile dysfunction – and any changes that you are having with erections should be considered a warning sign to go and see a doctor to have a few tests run. You never know, your inability to ‘get it up,’ and your corresponding doctor’s visit could potentially save your life.
It is important to understand that an erection, while a physical response to outside circumstances, is actually produced and maintained in the brain. This means that while a man may feel completely attracted to their partner, they can still lose an erection or be unable to have sex if there is some sort of misfiring between the brain and the nervous system and the reproductive organs. In other words, it is not necessarily a sexual problem or one that you should feel embarrassed about, but rather a medical problem that needs looking into. There is no shame in it, for the man or for the women.
So what can you do about erectile dysfunction?
The first thing is to talk about it. Look, you and your partner may be in denial, or may be worried that there is some serious problem in your relationship that is causing the two of you to have problems in the bedroom. The reality could be that the relationship has nothing to do with the lack of fireworks, and that a medical condition is the problem. Chances are if you are a man and are having this problem, your partner is dissatisfied as well. Instead of sticking your head in the sand and having a completely egotistical and defensive response to the situation, try to investigate what could be causing it. According to the Mayo Clinic, many men, upon seeing a doctor, have a clear-cut answer and solution to their problem within the period of 14 days. And, the best news is that by being proactive about your situation instead of remaining in denial or making up excuses, you can put the stress and diminished self-confidence the condition causes in your back pocket. Additionally, peruse the internet for a local listing of doctors in your area that deal specifically with erectile dysfunction. (Then just cross your fingers that they don’t have a female receptionist) Most often, you will see either your primary care physician or an urologist depending upon your healthcare plan.
Depending on what is causing the problem, most doctors choose one of three medications to help treat the disorder. These are often the three products that you will hear advertised in mainstream media. Viagra, Cialis and Levitra are the most popular. It is very important to note that these medications do and can have side effects and are not appropriate for all people. For this reason, you should not look into illicit ways often advertised online to treat your erectile dysfunction without consulting a qualified doctor first. In addition to oral medications, there are several other medications – some which are injections that can help with the problem. For those with severe erectile dysfunction solutions such as penis pumps, surgery and implants can be a long-term solution that will enable you to enjoy a healthy sex life again.
Erections are important. Not just to a man, but to the women who love him as well. And while the condition may feel embarrassing, the truth is it is more common than you might know. One of the worst consequences of not having your erection issues dealt with professionally is that men offer suffer from deep depression, anxiety and stress because of the problem. If there is a way to fix it, and make it better – it is win win for everyone involved. Chances are if it is bothering you, then it is bothering your partner as well.
