ED’s Causes, Consequences, Problems, and Solutions in the UK

Erectile Dysfunction(ED), also regarded as impotence, is a condition where you can not attain a full erection or keep it long enough to enjoy intercourse. Although ED is quite common, it often goes unreported due to the sensitive nature of this topic.

According to the NHS, ED is more prevalent in men over 40. However, recent surveys have found that it affects about half of the men under 50. Approximately 11.7 million men in the UK admitted to struggling with sex, and one in eight has problems every time.

Here are the causes, effects, and ED treatment approaches in the United Kingdom.

Reasons behind Erectile Dysfunction

Most men had experienced ED at some point, especially when they were tired, distracted, anxious, or had too much to drink. If it occurs often, however, there could be other problems involved, either physical or emotional.

Physical Causes

Physical factors drive about 8 in 10 ED cases. They include:

  • Limited blood flow to the penis: causes most of the ED cases in men over 40. It results from constriction of the arteries going to the male genitalia. Among its risk factors are ageing, too much cholesterol, hypertension, and smoking.
  • Nerve Damage: This may be due to Parkinson’s disease, stroke or Multiple Sclerosis (MS) affecting pubic nerves.
  • Injury: Leading to damaged penile nerves. For instance, spinal injury, side effects of surgical procedures performed on nearby organs, radiotherapy in the genital area, or fractured pelvis.
  • Hormonal imbalance: Mainly as a result of low testosterone — although this is rare.
  • Side effects of medication: some antidepressants, diuretics, and cimetidine could bring about ED.
  • Diabetes.
  • Alcohol.
  • Inappropriate drug use.

Psychological Causes (Mental Health)

Many men in the UK occasionally have erectile dysfunction when they are stressed, anxious, depressed, or have issues with their partner. ED that results from mental health issues often develops more suddenly as opposed to physical causes. The good news is that it mostly resolves itself when one’s mental state improves.

Effects of Erectile Dysfunction

If you suffer from ED, you might be conversant with some of its non-physical challenges, including:

  • Relationship issues leading to unsatisfactory sex life.
  • Problems getting a baby.
  • Anxiety, and depression.
  • Low self-esteem.

Stress and anxiety are especially notorious for starting an exponential problem. Case in point: when ED only happens to someone once, causing them to become anxious the next time; then, this anxiety leads to even more ED, which creates more anxiety!

Treatment Options for Erectile Dysfunction in the UK

ED can be corrected by treating the underlying cause and making healthy lifestyle choices. What’s more, several pills are available that could help you retain an erection once it is up. These include:

  • Viagra (sildenafil): It is the most popular remedy. It enhances blood flow to the genitals and is best taken on an empty stomach, 1 hour before intercourse — although anywhere between 30 minutes and 4 hours could do the trick.
  • Cialis (tadalafil): Works for mild, moderate, and severe ED. It is both fast-acting (delivering the kick within 30 minutes) and effective for up to 36 hours.
  • Levitra (vardenafil): Also sold as Staxyn, Levitra is most effective when taken an hour before sex. It works for four to upwards of five hours if you only have mild to moderate ED. Moreover, there is a newer version that is placed under the tongue for easier absorption than the swallowed pill.
  • Kamagra: Although the jury is still out on its certification, Kamagra has the same active ingredient as Viagra — sildenafil —, and both are taken in the same way.

These drugs’ effectiveness is almost similar; hence your choice will ultimately depend on personal preference, including convenience, cost, and side effects.