Is there a single cause for sexual performance issues? Sexual arousal can start with excitement and wonder. Too often it can end in frustration for men who experience problems when engaging in sex with their partners. The reasons behind the problem can be chemical, physical, and psychological. When it is a combination of causes, finding the right solution takes patience. Talking with partners and consulting medical experts about the possible factors that lead to male sexual dysfunction is the first step. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition that develops in men of all ages. Male erections begin with sexual arousal in the brain and develop into sexual desire. The many steps from thought to sexual activity can be fraught with complications that can interfere with sexual performance.
Physical Reasons are Quite Common
Physical causes of sexual dysfunction that can include causes of erectile dysfunction often stem from lifestyle changes, low testosterone caused by a thyroid condition or kidney disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, nervous system issues including nerve damage, and spinal cord injuries, and many other health problems like obesity.
More serious examples include cardiovascular disease (heart disease), high cholesterol, and hypertension and lower testosterone levels can affect blood vessels and therefore blood flow . Some conditions like prostate cancer can make erections painful and a physical exam and blood tests can be performed by a healthcare professional to confirm or rule out these health conditions as possible causes of ED.
Mental Stress is a Common Impediment
Psychological factors have side effects that can disrupt sexual function in both young and older men. Psychological causes are not limited to but can include relationship problems, and mental health issues like low self-esteem, premature ejaculation, and performance anxiety.
Recreational drugs and prescription drugs like antidepressants have also been connected to sexual function.
Treatment options designed to address the common causes of erectile dysfunction range from holistic treatments to prescription medications. Among the most popular FDA approved are Sildenafil (Viagra®), Tadalafil (Cialis®), and Vardenafil (Levitra). These medications can improve erectile function and lead to an improved sex life by treating the underlying physical causes that often lead to erection problems. Prescription medications are available from a health care provider who can highlight the potential risk factors that these options might create.
Erectile dysfunction does not have to be permanent. Talking with your physician about your medical options and talking with partners about psychological concerns can bring swift and long-term success. Choosing the right strategy can be the difference between suffering in silence or beginning a conversation that can change the enjoyment of sexual performance.