Many men have suffered from erection problems. In the Netherlands, almost forty percent of men sometimes suffer from erection problems. How do you prevent erectile dysfunction and what are the causes? How does an erection even come about?
How does an erection occur?
The anatomy of the penis is important to properly study how a penis becomes erect. An average penis in a flaccid condition is about five to nine centimeters long. When the penis becomes erect it can grow to an average of fourteen to twenty centimeters in length. The growth is caused by the erectile tissues in the penis. This cylindrical spongy material is filled with blood during an erection. When the penis is flaccid, there will be less blood in the penis. A good blood supply and certain nerves ensure that the blood reaches the right place and remains there temporarily. If something goes wrong in that system between the blood supply and the nerves, the penis cannot maintain or gain its stiffness. This means that sexual intercourse is no longer possible at that time.
Causes of erectile dysfunction
Erection problems can have two causes, namely a physical or psychological cause. Sometimes it can also be a combination of the two.
Erection problems due to psychological causes
If erection problems start suddenly, there is a good chance that this is due to a psychological condition. You can think of stress, relationship problems or certain fears, including fear of failure.
Erection problems due to physical causes
Compared to erection problems due to psychological causes, an erection problem due to physical causes usually starts more gradually. Examples of physical causes are:
- Diabetes
- Side effects of certain medications
- Too high cholesterol
- Too high blood pressure
- Unhealthy lifestyle (smoking, eating fatty foods and drinking alcohol)
What to do with erection problems
We now know that there can be many causes for erectile dysfunction. It is no less important to know that there are also many solutions to solve these problems. If the erection problems are of a psychological nature, this can be treated by a psychologist, psychiatrist or sexologist. The partner will often be involved in this treatment, since the problem is not only for the man. If the erectile dysfunction is of a physical nature, the treatments and aids below may provide a solution.
The erection pill
Nowadays there are enough drugs that can return the erection to the desired level. You can think of, for example, Viagra or Levitra. This medication can be ordered with a doctor’s prescription and starts working approximately thirty minutes after taking the medication. The effect can last for up to thirty hours. This medicine only works if there is a sexual stimulus.
Food supplement
If you have erection problems, you can choose to use natural products in the form of nutritional supplements. This ensures maximum effectiveness of healthy substances in the body that will ultimately promote erection.
Injection into the penis
By injecting the penis, the erectile tissues will swell and an erection will be created artificially.
Replacing the blood vessels
For example, due to calcification in the veins, the blood supply to the penis can no longer function optimally. Then surgery may offer a solution.
Penile prosthesis
By placing a penile prosthesis, the function of the erectile tissues can be taken over.
Adjust your lifestyle
It is important to continue living a healthy life. This promotes the erection. Quit smoking, eat less fatty foods and don’t consume too many alcoholic drinks. Continue to exercise enough. More exercise is good for the blood vessels in your body and this is important for your erection.
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