Erectile dysfunction: symptoms, causes, and treatments

64%: that's the percentage of men who have experienced an erection problem at some point in their lives, according to a survey conducted in 2018 by IFOP (French Institute of Public Opinion) for Mypharma. This figure indicates that erectile dysfunction is far from uncommon and can affect a large majority of men at one time or another.

Fatigue, low spirits, alcohol consumption... You have probably already experienced a temporary difficulty in this area, perhaps even several times. But before jumping to conclusions, it is important to know that this does not necessarily mean you are suffering from erectile dysfunction. It is characterized by repeated and regular erection problems. In any case, erectile dysfunction is not a death sentence: there are many solutions available to improve your sex life.

The most important thing is to listen to yourself, to be attentive to the signals that your body sends you, and, above all, to talk about it. It is crucial to discuss these difficulties without shame or taboo, with health professionals, such as your general practitioner. Symptoms, causes, treatments... This article is here to enlighten you.

How does an erection work?

Although it may seem simple and automatic, an erection actually relies on a complex physical and sensory mechanism. To simplify, your penis consists of two cavernous bodies, arteries and veins, as well as erectile nerves. During sexual arousal, these nerves transmit stimulation signals – which can be visual, tactile, auditory, or olfactory – to the cavernous bodies and the arteries of the penis.

This triggers a biochemical action that relaxes the smooth muscles of the penis, allowing blood to flow in, thus swelling the penis and making it rigid. When everything goes well, the penis can hold up to 8 times more blood than when it is at rest ! This impressive process can, however, be disrupted by various factors, making an erection difficult or even impossible.

What is erectile dysfunction?

According to the French Urology Association, erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as 'the persistent or recurrent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse'. To be considered as such, ED must last at least three months.

The diagnosis is based on a detailed interview, focusing not only on erectile function but also on orgasmic function, sexual desire, and overall satisfaction related to sexual intercourse. Erectile dysfunction can manifest itself in various ways:

• Complete inability to achieve an erection : despite arousal and willingness, no erection is possible.
• Difficulty in achieving a satisfactory erection : you sometimes have them, but they are not firm enough to allow complete intercourse.
• Difficulty maintaining an erection until orgasm : an erection is achieved but cannot be maintained until the end of intercourse.
• Painful erections: erections are possible but painful, making sexual intercourse complicated or even impossible. This can be a symptom of Peyronie's disease, often characterized by a curvature of the penis that causes pain.

The causes of erectile dysfunction

It is crucial to understand that the causes of erectile dysfunction are multiple and can be physical, psychological, or a mix of both. Here are some examples of physical causes:

• Cardiovascular problems: an erection depends on good blood flow, and diseases that affect circulation (hypertension, diabetes, atherosclerosis) are common causes of erectile dysfunction.
• Hormonal issues: a decrease in testosterone levels, the key hormone in male sexual function, can affect erection.
• Side effects of medications: some treatments, such as antidepressants or antihypertensives, can disrupt erectile function.

Psychological causes include:

• Stress and anxiety: pressure at work, in personal life, or related to sexual performance can affect erection.
• Depression: individuals suffering from depression may also experience a decreased libido and erectile dysfunction.
• Relational conflicts: tensions or frustrations in a romantic relationship can affect the ability to achieve or maintain an erection.

Why is it important to talk about it?

For many men, discussing erectile dysfunction is difficult, or even embarrassing. However, as the IFOP study shows, 64% of men have already had an erection problem. It's a subject that affects a large number of people, and there's nothing shameful about discussing it.

It is essential to talk about it, as erectile dysfunction can be indicative of more serious health problems, such as cardiovascular diseases or diabetes. Therefore, a medical evaluation is necessary to rule out or treat these underlying issues. Moreover, ED itself is now largely treatable, with options that include medical treatments (such as phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, including Viagra), psychological therapies, or lifestyle changes.

What are the solutions?

There is a range of solutions for erectile dysfunction. Depending on the identified cause, your doctor can guide you towards:

• Medications: treatments such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), or vardenafil (Levitra) can help achieve an erection.
• Lifestyle changes: reducing alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, engaging in regular physical activity, and improving one's diet can have a positive impact.
• Therapies: cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help manage stress, anxiety, or relationship issues related to ED.

Erectile dysfunction is a common issue that affects a large number of men worldwide. Fortunately, there are now effective solutions available to improve quality of life and regain a fulfilling sex life. The most important thing is not to ignore your body's signals, to talk about it openly, and to consult a healthcare professional to establish an accurate diagnosis and find the appropriate treatment.