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medical
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medical information
An erection
requires the interaction of your brain, nerves, hormones, and blood
vessels. Anything that interferes with the normal process can lead to
a problem.
common causes of
erection problems include:
-
Diseases and
conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart or thyroid
conditions, poor blood flow, depression, or neurologic disorders
(such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease)
-
Medications
such as blood pressure medications (especially beta-blockers),
heart medications (such as digoxin), some peptic ulcer
medications, sleeping pills, and antidepressants
-
Nerve damage
from prostate surgery
-
Nicotine,
alcohol, or cocaine use
-
Poor
communication with your partner
-
Repeated
feelings of doubt and failure or negative communication that
reinforce the erection problems
-
Spinal cord
injury
-
Stress, fear,
anxiety, or anger
-
Unrealistic
sexual expectations, which make sex a task rather than a pleasure
Erection problems
tend to become more common as you age, but it can affect men at any
age and at any time in their lives. Physical causes are more common in
older men, while psychological causes are more common in younger men.
Low levels of
testosterone rarely lead to erection problems, but may reduce a man's
sex drive.
For many men,
lifestyle changes can help:
-
Cut down on
smoking, alcohol, and illegal drugs.
-
Get plenty of
rest and take time to relax.
-
Exercise and
eat a healthy diet to maintain good circulation.
-
Use safe sex
practices, which reduces fear of HIV and STDs.
-
Talk openly
to your partner about sex and your relationship. If you are unable
to do this, counseling can help.
Couples who
cannot talk to each other are likely to have problems with sexual
intimacy. Men who have trouble communicating their feelings may find
it difficult to share with their partner any anxieties about their
sexual performance. In these circumstances, counseling can be very
helpful for both you and your partner.
Call your doctor
if:
-
The problem
does not go away with self-care measures -- effective treatments
are available
-
The problem
begins after an injury or prostate surgery
-
You have
other symptoms like low back pain, abdominal pain, or change in
urination
If erection
problems seem to be caused by a medication you are taking for an
unrelated condition, consult your doctor. You may benefit from
reducing the dose of the drug or changing to another drug that has the
same result but not the same side effects. DO NOT change or stop
taking any medications without first talking to your doctor.
Talk to your
health care provider if your erection problems are related to fear of
recurring heart problems. Sexual intercourse is usually safe in these
circumstances.
Call your doctor
immediately or go to an emergency room if medication for erection
problems give you an unwanted erection that lasts more than 4 hours.
Permanent impotence or other lasting damage to your penis may result
from this condition.
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