erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is an impaired blood supply to the penis. The brain also plays a key role in triggering the series of physical events that cause an erection, starting with feelings of sexual excitement. Causes can be physical, psychological or a combination of both. Penile erection is a complex process in which the brain, nerves, muscles, and blood vessels play a major role.
common physical causes
High Cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, medications, surgery, sleep disorders, low Testosterone, tobacco, alcohol, and substance use.
psychological causes
Depression, anxiety, mental health issues, stress, and relationship issues due to stress, communication etc.
medications
While medications may treat a disease or condition, in doing so they can affect a man's hormones, nerves or blood circulation, resulting in ED or increasing the risk of ED.
Diuretics (pills that cause increase urine flow),
Antihypertensives (high blood pressure drugs) like beta blockers,
Antihistamines like Benadryl,
Many Antidepressants – SSRI’s,
Parkinson's disease drugs,
Antiarrhythmics (drug for irregular heart action),
Tranquilizers - alcohol,
Muscle relaxants.
preventing erectile dysfunction
Stop smoking.
Limit, or avoid alcohol & drug use.
Exercise regularly to improve and sustain health and reduce stress.
Eat a healthy diet. Reducing sodium, processed foods and sugar and replacing with leafy green vegetables and whole foods can improve cardiovascular health. Contact True Balance to book your complimentary nutrition consultation and see if there’s a program that suits your needs.
Get enough sleep and ruling out Sleep Apnea. The body needs rest to repair and perform critical functions. Disrupting sleep patterns ie: shift work can interrupt normal bodily functions causing low Testosterone.
Working through relationship issues can be difficult but will yield significant improvement. Sometimes couples are stuck in patterns of behaviour that do not allow healing and the restoration of emotional closeness. If you are in such a situation, we offer SRT. Individual and couples sessions are available – call True Balance Sherwood Park to book.
See your General Practitioner for yearly check-up and medical screening if there are concerns regarding your heath ie: Cholesterol, high blood pressure etc.
Kegel or pelvic floor exercise - We offer Kegel therapy with the BTL Emsella chair. There is developing scientific support for the use of electrical stimulation of the pelvic floor to treat ED.
medications
Viagra
Cialis
Levitra
These medications enhance the effects of nitric oxide — a natural chemical your body produces that relaxes muscles in the penis. This increases blood flow and allows you to get an erection in response to sexual stimulation. The medications vary in dosage, how long they work and side effects. Possible side effects include flushing, nasal congestion, headache, visual changes, backache, and stomach upset.
There was a study on men who failed to have sufficient erectile strength to allow for sex on Viagra. In the study they stopped Viagra and put them on Testosterone Therapy. 30 % were able to resume sex with Testosterone alone, 30% with Testosterone and Viagra and 40% still were unable to have sex.
non-medical treatments
Penis pumps and tension rings may be suggested.
Supplement: Zinc Promotes brain health, supports heart health, boosts sexual health & libido.
Having erection trouble from time to time isn't necessarily a cause for concern. Erectile dysfunction is very common and, in most cases, can be treated. The condition is usually reversible, but the completely curing ED depends on the underlying cause(s).
