Erectile dysfunction is a common sexual dysfunction afflicting adult men wherein a man is unable to maintain an erection that’s firm enough to have sexual activity. Some studies estimate that more than 50% of adult men in Thailand suffer from some degree of erectile dysfunction, with men aged over 50 years old being at higher risk.
Men who experience erectile dysfunction have difficulty maintaining steady blood flow to their corpora cavernosa, the spongy tissue along the length of the penis.
The causes of erectile dysfunction can be both mental and physical factors. Consequently, there are multiple effective treatments that can help restore steady blood flow.
Erectile Dysfunction Risk Factors
Psychogenic Factors
Physically healthy men are less likely to experience erectile dysfunction. Mental afflictions, such as stress, anxiety, and depression have been known to be key contributors to erectile dysfunction.
Similarly, minor or temporary mental health stemming from relationship issues may also be a contributing factor.
Inadequate Sleep
During sleep, your body is able to rest and restore itself, giving your brain and muscles a break from prolonged and heavy use. Adequate sleep helps keep your body regulated and your blood flowing at a normal level.
Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and insomnia interrupt your body’s ability to restore itself during sleep. Men who don’t get sufficient sleep may experience mental fatigue and tense muscles, which in turn can lead to erectile dysfunction when engaging in sexual activity.
Sedentary Lifestyle
Men who live a primarily sedentary lifestyle are at high risk of experiencing erectile dysfunction. Sitting or lying for most of the day does not properly engage your muscles or get your heart rate up. These are two ways your body maintains a strong cardiovascular system.
Men with cardiovascular issues may find their blood flow is poor and not strong enough for sustained sexual activity.
Hormone issues
Sexual arousal is the main stimulant that induces an erection. Testosterone is responsible for dictating a man’s sex drive, and low levels of testosterone may contribute to a lack of sexual arousal.
Testosterone levels are affected by many factors, including aging vitamins and minerals deficiency, smoking and lack of exercise.
Cardiovascular problems
Cardiovascular and metabolic disorders can contribute to erectile dysfunction, including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, high blood cholesterol and blockage of blood circulation.
Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Options
There are many different effective treatment methods for erectile dysfunction. The most common is medication, namely Tadalafil and Sildenafil. These two medications are potent vasodilators which work to relax certain muscles and blood vessels. They increase blood circulation to the penile part to help with an erection. In combination with sexual stimulation, they help a man achieve and keep erection.
Other treatments for erectile dysfunction are extracorporeal shock therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. Both alternative treatments are applied to the penile part to stimulate the growth of new blood vessels and breakdown plaque build-up in existing vessels.
Men who suffer from low testosterone levels are often treated with testosterone precursors or with other vitamins and extracts that promote natural testosterone production. In some cases, a doctor may recommend getting testosterone replacement therapy.
Book a Consultation at Vejthani Hospital
If you are experiencing any degree of erectile dysfunction, contact Vejthani Q-life Center by Vejthani Hospital and schedule an appointment for a medical consultation. Our doctors will work towards finding the root cause of your problems and a treatment option that will be most effective for you.
For more information, please contact
Urology and Men’s Health Center, Vejthani Hospital
Call: (+66)2-734-0000 Ext. 4901
English Hotline: (+66)85-223-8888
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