Erectile dysfunction can have a significant impact on the quality of life for patients and their partners. Based on an extensive UK study in 2019, estimates suggest 4.3 million men suffer from ED across the UK.
It's often a taboo topic, as both men and women often feel it is an embarrassing issue they may be to blame for. The emotional effects can be as difficult as the physical disappointment experienced in the moment, as ED can be tied down to low self-esteem, low self-image and deeper-rooted relationship difficulties.
Erectile dysfunction can happen now and again, or it can be a constant worry for some. There are many reasons why someone may find it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection, and you don't have to suffer in silence.
At What Age Does Erectile Dysfunction Start?
Whilst there is no specific age at which ED starts, it generally tends to emerge more as men get older. However, men as young as 20 may suffer from regular ED, so it's not a condition solely found in older men.
Here are some statistics to help illustrate the range of ages ED can affect.
- 5-10% of men below 40
- 22% of men aged 40
- 59% of men aged 70
As these figures demonstrate, if you are experiencing symptoms of ED, you are not alone. Many people suffering from ED have been able to overcome symptoms for a fulfilling sex life, so there are solutions available.
Because of how many men experience ED at some point in their lives, it's something you should never feel nervous about approaching with your GP or doctor. They will have seen many men with the same issues, so it will not be a shock or surprise to them.
What Are the Causes of Erectile Dysfunction?
Penile erection is a result of two mechanisms: the psychogenic erection, which is achieved by erotic or emotional stimuli, and the reflex erection, which is achieved by directly touching the penile shaft. There are many different reasons why a man can struggle to maintain an erection, some are physical and some are psychological.
A simple way to understand whether the issues are physical or psychological is to determine if you have ever, or do ever, have an erection. If it's "no," the problem is more likely to be physiological. If the answer is "yes" (albeit sometimes or very rarely), the problem could be physiological or psychological.
Physical and Physiological ED Causes
- Narrowing of the blood vessels going to the penis, commonly associated with high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol or diabetes
- Hormonal problems
- Nerve damage from surgery complications
- Injury affecting nerve signals
- Lifestyle factors, smoking, drinking too much alcohol, drug side effects
- Being overweight
- Not producing enough testosterone (hormone problems)
Cycling and Erectile Dysfunction
Spending long periods on a bicycle seat puts pressure on the perineum, which houses key nerves and arteries, including the pudendal artery and nerve, both essential for erectile function. Frequent cycling can lead to numbness or discomfort due to restricted blood flow, potentially causing temporary erectile difficulties. While discomfort usually subsides quickly, reduced circulation may persist longer, affecting the ability to maintain an erection.
If you suffer from ED and fear it may be caused by cycling, there's no reason to give up the sport entirely. Here are a few tips you can try to see if it improves the problem:
- Switch from a "nosed" saddle to a "noseless" one; more rectangular in shape, these can offer better support to the perineum and encourage you to put your weight onto your sit bones.
- Try an ergonomic saddle with a cut-out area, but only if this meshes with your own physiognomy. These particular solutions are not for everyone, so sample them to see if they feel comfortable before purchasing.
- Make sure the saddle is properly and professionally installed. Even the best quality and fit will be detrimental if unsecured or out of position.
- Lower the handlebars to encourage a more forward-leaning posture, thereby relieving pressure on the perineum.
- Alternate cycling with other forms of exercise, including jogging, swimming or rowing.
Psychological Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
As well as physical issues that can lead to ED, emotional issues can also be the cause of impotence and other sexual health problems. Some emotional and psychological influences may be:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Relationship problems
- Stress
- Performance anxiety
Erectile dysfunction is often the first indication that a man has an underlying condition such as high blood pressure, hormone imbalance or depression. It can then be an ongoing cycle, as not being able to perform well in the bedroom can make certain conditions worse. That's why you shouldn't be ashamed to seek help and treatment.
Treatment for Male Erectile Dysfunction
Many different types of treatment are available, but first, it's important to establish the main cause of ED. A professional clinic can conduct hormone tests to see whether you may benefit from hormone replacement medication. If another physical cause is found, you may need medication to lower your blood pressure or cholesterol.
Alprostadil is a prescription injection that helps muscles to relax, increasing blood flow to the penis to achieve erection. Used as a "third-line" medication behind lifestyle changes and oral products such as sildenafil, solutions like alprostadil are only prescribed when these medications have failed.
Lifestyle and Natural Erectile Dysfunction Treatment
For lifestyle factors, improving day-to-day wellbeing could dramatically improve your general health and ED issues. Exercise during midlife, such as aerobic exercise, is particularly effective for preventing ED.
Some of the natural ways you can help tackle the symptoms of erectile dysfunction are:
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and moving more
- Losing weight (if overweight or obese)
- Getting more sleep (or better quality sleep)
- Doing kegel exercises
- Quit smoking
- Reduce your alcohol intake
Treating the Psychological Causes of Male Erectile Dysfunction
For psychological issues, it would be advised to speak to a professional who can support and alleviate the underlying issues. Our experts are always on hand for a discreet discussion to improve your sexual health.
By understanding the probable causes, a sexual health clinic can recommend the latest treatments for erectile dysfunction. When there is no hormonal cause found, patients receive a comprehensive management plan with non-hormonal treatment options. By the end of the consultation, you will have found the most suitable method to restore your virility. Medication to treat erectile dysfunction includes oral tablets, injections and intra-urethal applications. Some of these medications can be combined to enhance the synergistic effect.
Although you can find many alternative medicines online, such as unregulated "natural" sexual enhancement products, you should never self-medicate ED and buy treatments over the internet. Non-pharmaceutical grade drugs manufactured by underground factories can have a lot of impurities with dubious dosage, causing harm to your health.
What's the Success Rate of Erectile Dysfunction Treatment?
Erectile dysfunction cannot be cured per se, but it can be reversed. We take a multi-pronged approach, and you'll want to overhaul your lifestyle to give yourself a good foundation to build upon. Some patients will do well with oral prescriptions, which have a success rate of about 70-80% for most men. But not to worry, we will do everything we can to ensure you have successful treatment to help you regain your mojo.
If you would like to discreetly discuss your sexual health concerns, book an appointment at Harley Street MD today.
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