Is Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Considered a Disease?
People often mistake a specific disease as a condition or a disorder when they all slightly mean different things. A condition is a described state of being that can refer to how severe a disease is or the status of someone’s health. A disease is an illness that affects a person, leading to a condition that prevents the body or mind from working correctly.
When a man becomes sexually aroused, his brain sends signals to the nerves in his penis. The nerves increase the blood flow to the penis, causing the tissue to expand and harden. Anything interfering with the nervous system or blood circulation could lead to erectile dysfunction / impotence / (ED).
What Exactly is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile Dysfunction, or impotence, is considered a physical or psychological condition, NOT a disease. According to the Cleveland Clinic, as many as 52 percent of men experience erectile dysfunction (ED) at some point. It can cause stress, relationship strain, and low self-confidence. The main symptom is a man’s inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.
Anything that affects the level of sexual desire (libido) can also cause erectile dysfunction because a reduced libido makes it more difficult for the brain to trigger an erection. Psychological conditions such as depression can reduce libido, as can changes in hormone levels (chemicals produced by the body).
Erectile Dysfunction can be linked to the following:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Damage from cancer or surgery
- Injuries
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Relationship problems
- Drug use
- Alcohol use
- Smoking
- Low Testosterone (Low T)
How is Erectile Dysfunction treated?
ED is a treatable condition, and the type of treatment generally depends on the underlying cause of erectile dysfunction. Treatments for ED can range from counseling and lifestyle changes to drugs and surgery like a penile implant. If you have erectile dysfunction, you must talk to your doctor. A doctor can help identify your ED’s cause and determine the most appropriate treatment.
Since it can be embarrassing to discuss ED, many men look for discreet treatment options online. However, not all treatments are safe. Using home remedies might be dangerous, and you should not self-prescribe for ED, especially when you consider that it could be a sign of a more serious health concern. In addition, many of the treatments available on the Internet are scams, which may not help your ED and could damage your health.
If you think you have Erectile Dysfunction, call Charlotte Men’s Health at (704) 786-5131 to request an appointment with Dr. Richard Natale or request an appointment online.
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