Sadly, it’s a fact that men age. And it’s also true that, as you age, certain process slow down, and the body starts to change. And for most men, as they age, the chances that they’ll develop erectile dysfunction (ED) are pretty good. In fact, according to the Massachusetts Male Aging Study conducted in 1994, about 40 percent of men 40 years of age will experience ED. And by age 70, that number rises to about 70 percent.
But even when faced with such dire circumstances, you don’t need to lose hope. There are a number of treatments and medications, such as Viagra and Sildenafil, that can help you overcome erectile dysfunction, and you don’t need to feel as though you have no options, because you do.
How Erections Work
It helps to start with an understanding of what erectile dysfunction is. And to understand erectile dysfunction, it helps to understand how erections work.
Erections are actually pretty complex processes, involving both the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system, as well as vascular systems and hormonal processes. A variety of factors influence erections, such as stress and other psychological factors, along with physiological factors like cardiovascular fitness and diet.
Erections are caused by signals sent from the brain to the base of the spinal cord, in response to stimulations related to touch, sight, smell, and mental process and memory. Those signals are then transmitted to the local area around the penis, where nerve fibers that are connected to the smooth muscle tissues that control the vascular system in the area of the penis. The signals from the nervous system signal those tissues to relax, which opens the blood flow into that area, resulting in an erection.
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
If any of those processes is disrupted, an erection can fail in part or altogether. This then, along with the root cause(s), is what erectile dysfunction is all about. In terms of root causes, there are two basic causes for ED:
- Psychological Factors – There are any numbers of psychological factors that can influence erectile dysfunction. Things like depression, anxiety, stress and self-conscious/low self-esteem can all cause ED.
- Physical Factors – Physical factors can also be responsible for ED, and should be evaluated by a doctor if they persist. In most cases, physical factors related to ED are usually related to age and age-related factors. However, in some cases, the physical factors related to ED may be symptomatic of more serious problems.
Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction
If you’re suffering from erectile dysfunction, you needn’t lose hope, and you should never assume that you have to simply ‘live with’ erectile dysfunction. There are several treatments available that have proven very effective in treating erectile dysfunction.
Perhaps the most popular and effective option is medication, such as Viagra or Sildenafil, which have been proven to be highly effective in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Viagra was discovered in 1998, and has been shown to be highly effective for erectile dysfunction treatments in virtually all instances, including diabetics. In the US, Viagra may be purchased through either physical or online pharmacies. In the UK, the drug may be purchased as Viagra or under its original name, Sildenafil. UK patients have an advantage because Sildenafil and Viagra are the same drug, but due to licensing restrictions US patients may only buy Viagra, which is considerably more expensive whereas UK men can buy sildenfil online and save some serious money.
Regardless of how you ultimately decide to treat your erectile dysfunction, the key is to seek help. Studies have shown that most men don’t get help for erectile dysfunction, and that’s a shame. Help is out there, and you only need to go out and get it.