Erectile Dysfunction

Almost all men feel desperate when they suffer from erectile dysfunction. But there are many ways to treat it successfully! It is important to get to the root of the problem. When the penis won’t get hard during sex, many men feel like their world is falling apart. Anxiety, pressure, and doubts about their own masculinity are inevitable. A vicious circle begins. You are probably familiar with this from other situations in life: If you want something badly enough, it doesn’t work out all the more. The problem is usually exacerbated because very few men want to confide in someone about this “delicate matter.” To the doctor? How embarrassing! Don’t! Tell your best friend. No way, then I’ll look like a failure! Many men with erectile dysfunction, therefore, often feel lonely and alone for a long time, and their fear and helplessness grow.

“One in three men over 40 is affected by erectile dysfunction.”

But the fact is, erectile dysfunction is not uncommon. In men over 40, at least one in three men is affected occasionally or regularly. But many young men are also familiar with the problem, as there are many different causes.

It often leads to problems in the partnership.

It is almost always difficult for affected men to talk to their partner. It is not uncommon for “sex breakdowns” to end in embarrassing silence. It becomes even more complicated if the partner relates the problem to herself and reacts in an offended or hurt way. Many men withdraw after such experiences and avoid any situations and gestures that could lead to sex. Sooner or later, this avoidance behaviour leads to problems in the relationship for many couples. In around 70 percent of cases, physical causes are to blame for erectile dysfunction. Most commonly, the blood flow to the penis is disturbed or the penile muscles are damaged.

Increasingly, however, psychological factors such as stress and anxiety or a permanently unhealthy lifestyle are also behind the condition.

Circulatory disorders

Concomitant diseases that cause circulatory disorders in the body also increase the risk of erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction often occurs together with the following diseases:

Diabetes mellitus

High blood pressure

Elevated blood lipid levels

Metabolic syndrome

The menopause in men: testosterone deficiency

Research results have clearly shown that a high testosterone level is an important prerequisite for a satisfactory erection. As men get older, the testosterone level in their blood slowly decreases; some even experience this hormonal change as “male menopause” (andropause). If hormone levels fall below normal, this can certainly lead to impotence. If men have erectile dysfunction, it is therefore essential that their testosterone levels are also determined. In addition to the normal, age-related drop in the hormone, many other causes can trigger testosterone deficiency.

Side effects of medication

Some medications cause problems with erectile function as a side effect. This is particularly common with certain beta-blockers (medication for high blood pressure) and dehydrating and cholesterol-lowering drugs. Psychotropic drugs, e.g., medication for depression, can also trigger erectile dysfunction.

Treatment options

Today, there are already numerous treatment options for impotence and erectile dysfunction. Depending on the cause, effects, and age, there is a suitable therapy for every person affected. The treatment plan can include various medications, sexual medicine counselling, and sexual therapy interventions. In some cases, injections into the erectile tissue or vacuum pumps are administered. Very rarely, the implantation of a penile prosthesis is necessary.

Feel free to contact us if you have any inquiries or any additional questions.

*Pharmalps is not a clinic*

**Pharmalps offers medical consultancy**