An erectile dysfunction

You have erectile dysfunction if you are insufficiently able to get and/or maintain an erection, so that satisfying sex is not always possible.

Physical causes

There are various causes for erectile dysfunction: physical or psychological causes and a combination of these.

Physical causes include diabetes (diabetes), cardiovascular disease, nervous disorders, hormonal problems, chronic diseases and side effects of medicines.

Heart and vascular disease

Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of erectile dysfunction.

These include arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), hypertension (high blood pressure) and high cholesterol. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and little exercise can make the problem worse.

Diabetes (diabetes)

Diabetes can damage the nerves and vessels that supply the penis with blood. Two in three men with diabetes will eventually suffer from erectile dysfunction.

nervous disorders

Multiple sclerosis and spinal cord damage can lead to erectile dysfunction.

Hormonal problems

Very low testosterone levels can lead to erectile dysfunction.

Drug side effects

Finally, side effects of drugs (eg antidepressants) can also have an adverse effect on the erection.

Psychological causes of erectile dysfunction

Psychological causes can be depression, stress, fear of failure or relationship problems.

Treatment of erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is treatable. There is more and more to do. When determining the appropriate treatment method, it is good to take your lifestyle into account.

It is also important to know whether and how the treatment affects the relationship between you and your partner. Your doctor can help you choose the right remedy.

Counseling and Sex Therapy

This therapy can help identify, understand and deal with sexual problems. Sexual problems can be caused by stress, fear of failure and social pressure.

Specific techniques can relieve stress and increase sexual stimulation, making it possible to enjoy sex again.

erection pills

Nowadays there are several types of erection pills available on prescription from the doctor. Erection pills ensure that you get an erection when you are sexually aroused. They are all effective, but their duration of action varies.

If there is no more sexual stimulation, your erection disappears again. Of course you can get a new erection again when you become aroused again and the pill is still effective.

Injection Therapy

In this treatment, the medication is injected directly into the penis or urethra. The first is done with a syringe. The erection occurs after 10 minutes and lasts for about half an hour to an hour. The quality of the erection depends on the dosage.

vacuum pump

The penis is placed in a vacuum cylinder. The ring of the cylinder at the beginning of the penis ensures that the erection is maintained.

erection prosthesis

This method is only used when all the above therapies do not work. An erection prosthesis (penile implant) can then be implanted in the penis.

This is a surgical procedure performed by a urologist. This makes an incision in the penis, through which a plastic cavernous body is inserted.

Consult doctor

Many men find it difficult to talk about their erectile dysfunction. On average, a man even waits two years before consulting a doctor. That is very unfortunate, because there is more and more that can be done. And your doctor can help you with that like no other.