An overview of ED: its Effects, Causes, & Treatment

Previously, treatment for erectile dysfunction or ED took a uniform approach, beginning with a blue pill (Sildenafil) and then moving to other oral treatments like Vardenafil and Tadalafil.

A healthy erection is part of a healthy sex life for a man. Getting a penile erection frequently is usually considered a good sign of a healthy relationship between you and your partner. But sometimes, getting erections randomly without any sexual stimulation may indicate something much more serious. An erection happening out of the blue can be embarrassing and, at the same time, may point you in the direction of erectile dysfunction. In men, sexual dysfunction declines over time, beginning from desire and arousal issues and affecting all domains of sexual health, including erectile function, ejaculation, and orgasm. ED negatively affects a man’s relationship and emotional and psychological well-being. If you are dealing with sexual dysfunction, then appropriate diagnosis and management of ED are of significance.

When do you get an erection?

You get an erection when you are sexually stimulated. The brain sends signals to arteries in the penis, which widen and allow it to be filled with blood, causing a hard rock-solid erection. An erect penis looks harder, bigger, and longer than a normal penis. When you achieve an erection, your penis will stop hanging loose and stiffen to move away from your body. It stands straight at an upward or downward angle. An erect penis can also curve up or down to one side. You get an erection when you are aroused or turned on. This can be from touching your penis or just even thinking intimate thoughts or indulging in with your partner.

What Causes Erections?

Getting an erection is quite common in teenagers, and it may even occur when they are not turned on or without touching the penis. This is normal and will happen less often as you grow older. Most guys get erections when they are sleeping. The reason may be REM sleep (a sleep pattern that occurs at night intervals, characterized by rapid eye or body movement, fast breathing, and pulse rate), which seems to stimulate the erectile tissue. It is not yet completely understood why this happens. Many men get their penis erect 4 to 5 times when sleeping at night. The reason why an erection occurs while sleeping is the urinary bladder is full, which stimulates nerves in a region similar to nerves responsible for erections. One may also experience a lot of random erections because of the constantly changing testosterone levels in your body. This male sex hormone plays a significant role in forming an erection.

An erection may be caused due to hormonal level fluctuations causing a rise in testosterone (male sex hormone). A spike in testosterone may also be responsible for men experiencing random erections at any time of the day. If a man experiences a random erection while sleeping or in any other situation but struggles to perform and achieve it while having sex with a partner, it might be a sexual dysfunction called erectile dysfunction. Here, it is important to note that random erections are not uncommon at any age to wake up with an erection. But it’s still not clear if this is the case.

How can it affect your sex life?

As mentioned above, experiencing random erections could indicate erectile dysfunction (ED). Erectile dysfunction is a sexual dysfunction in which a man struggles to achieve or maintain an erection. The sexual disorder can cause severe distress. However, it is quite normal to face difficulty getting an erection occasionally, particularly when a man is tired, overstressed, or has been drinking. But it is a matter of concern if it happens frequently. Consult a urologist and get tested for sexual dysfunction. If diagnosed with ED, your healthcare specialist will prescribe erectile dysfunction drugs to treat your condition. Erectile dysfunction treatment can help get rid of the erection issues.

How can it be managed?

Your urologist will first ensure you get the right treatment for your underlying health condition that could be causing or worsening your sexual dysfunction.

ED affects a growing number of American males, significantly impacting sexual function and quality of life. Today, you should expect your urologist or sex expert to work with you to personalize a sexual dysfunction treatment that meets your individual needs and helps you achieve your life goals. Numerous risk factors are associated with sexual dysfunction, including a strong link to cardiovascular health issues. Men with ED should be screened for cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, the determinants of sexual activity in aging men are numerous. They variably range from relationship satisfaction, mental health, alcohol intake, sleep satisfaction, physical health, and marital status, requiring a holistic approach to treatment. Sildenafil, Vardenafil, and Tadalafil are the most common effective treatments for ED.