{"id":103872,"date":"2022-03-30T13:24:48","date_gmt":"2022-03-30T11:24:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/?p=103872"},"modified":"2022-04-12T17:37:22","modified_gmt":"2022-04-12T15:37:22","slug":"erectile-dysfunction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/blog\/erectile-dysfunction\/","title":{"rendered":"Erectile Dysfunction: Solutions and How to Get Help"},"content":{"rendered":"

When it comes to discussing male fertility issues<\/a>, the focus is normally on whether there is enough sperm, and the reasons as to why the sperm are unable to fertilise the egg. Now take a step back in the journey: in order to deposit semen at the cervix, couples must engage in regular sexual intercourse whereby ejaculation will result in semen being released into the vagina. In order to have penetrative intercourse, men need to have good erectile function. However, erectile dysfunction<\/strong> (often also termed impotence<\/strong>, or ED<\/strong>) is a common problem. The good news is that the vast majority of cases can be helped with medication and simple lifestyle changes.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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How common is erectile dysfunction?<\/h2>\n

If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction, you are certainly not alone. Erectile dysfunction<\/b> affects more than 150 million men worldwide, and 50% of men between the ages of 40 and 70 will suffer from ED at some stage. In the UK, 1 in 5 men are affected by erectile dysfunction<\/a>. Despite being common, it is often a taboo subject. For a long time men have been reluctant to discuss sexuality or sexual dysfunction with partners \u2013 or medical practitioners. When we add in the stress associated with subfertility as well as performance anxiety, it’s not surprising that we often meet young male patients, with no additional risk factors, who will only acknowledge that they’re suffering from erectile dysfunction when asked directly.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Often through embarrassment, many individuals do not want to talk about the issue but it is extremely important to assess erectile function in men.\u00a0 Not only is erectile function important for sexual function, but it can be a barometer for overall cardiac health. There are studies which indicate that men with ED are at higher risk for a cardiac event within 10 years<\/a>. Therefore, it\u2019s not a symptom to ignore. Increased accessibility to medication and readily available online resources have allowed more men to do their own research and seek help. Only when erectile dysfunction is addressed can a treatment be prescribed to meet your needs: it\u2019s simply a case of acknowledging the problem and seeking advice.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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What causes erectile <\/strong>dysfunction?<\/h2>\n

There are lots of reasons why men may suffer from erectile dysfunction at some stage in life. Although it can develop more frequently with age, aging is not a direct cause of ED. The underlying issue may be physiological (‘organic’) or psychological (‘psychogenic’). However, there is considerable overlap between these two and vary rarely is it purely organic or purely psychogenic.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Psychological issues<\/h3>\n

You may have a higher risk of suffering from erectile dysfunction if you are experiencing:<\/p>\n