20 Commonly Asked Questions About Erectile Dysfunction
Struggling with erectile dysfunction (ED) is often frustrating. As you deal with this new issue, a lot of questions may come to mind as to how it can affect you.
In this article, we'll cover 20 commonly asked questions about erectile dysfunction, and hopefully, help you find some answers. It is important to remember: for truly pressing issues and concerns, talk to your medical provider for thorough and personalized guidance.
1. Does erectile dysfunction go away?
Without treatment or lifestyle changes, it is very unlikely that erectile dysfunction will go away, according to the Mayo Clinic.
It is important to remember erectile dysfunction isn't just having trouble getting an erection from time to time, but a consistent and persisting issue.
Erectile dysfunction could be a sign of other health problems, so you must discuss it with your doctor. If you are worried about things like privacy or discretion, there are options to get an ED prescription online, so you don't need as much in-person contact.
2. Does erectile dysfunction cause infertility?
Erectile dysfunction can contribute to infertility, according to guidance provided by the Mayo Clinic.
Infertility by definition means that despite attempts at conception, a child has not been able to be conceived. Difficulty maintaining an erection can disrupt attempts at sexual intercourse, thereby contributing to infertility.
Visiting your medical provider for treatment options once you have noticed your erectile dysfunction can help you address the possible causes and develop a treatment plan.
3. Does erectile dysfunction affect sperm count?
No, erectile dysfunction does not affect sperm count.
Erectile dysfunction is the difficulty or inability to get and maintain an erection, the mechanisms that produce sperm do not rely on erections. Though you may struggle with erectile dysfunction, you could have a perfectly normal sperm count.
If you are visiting your medical provider for help with infertility issues, it's important to be clear and share as much information about your situation as possible. If you are having trouble conceiving, mention any issues with erectile dysfunction. If there are no problems there, you and your doctor can explore other possible causes.
4. Does erectile dysfunction happen to everyone?
Erectile dysfunction is extremely common and can occur at any age, but not everyone will experience erectile dysfunction, according to Healthline.
Erectile dysfunction is more than just an occasional difficulty to get and maintain an erection (though this could present its own issues); it is a much more persistent problem. While it is reasonable to believe that everyone may struggle to get and maintain an erection at some point, not everyone will deal with erectile dysfunction.
With erectile dysfunction being such a common concern, there is a lot of experience with how to approach treatment. Make contact with your medical provider as soon as you notice the issue, so any causes can be swiftly addressed and you can begin a path to treatment.
5. Does erectile dysfunction hurt?
There are many different causes of erectile dysfunction, as demonstrated by the Mayo Clinic, and some of them may present with pain, but this is not a universal experience.
Pain from other issues can lead to erectile dysfunction, but erectile dysfunction -the phenomena of having difficulty getting and maintaining an erection- should not be painful.
If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction and/or pain with erections, you should seek treatment as soon as possible. These could be signs of much more serious issues that need to be addressed.
6. Does erectile dysfunction come and go?
With the variety of causes of erectile dysfunction, it is possible for the issue to come and go, according to WebMD.
Sometimes erectile dysfunction is caused by lifestyle habits or mental issues. Things like performance anxiety can cause you to experience erectile dysfunction until you have regained some confidence or relaxed. Changing lifestyle issues -like poor diet or low confidence- can alleviate erectile dysfunction caused by these issues.
There are other causes that do not come and go as easily and require a more developed treatment plan. If you are having persisting erectile dysfunction issues, make an appointment with a medical provider to determine a cause and work towards a solution.
7. Does erectile dysfunction cause premature ejaculation?
Yes, erectile dysfunction can cause premature ejaculation, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The issue usually stems from those with erectile dysfunction fearing losing their erection and feeling pressure to ejaculate quickly. This anxiety can cause premature ejaculation, and it can work the other way around.
If you are experiencing either of these issues, it's best to consult your doctor to see how you can begin a treatment plan. As they often appear linked, addressing one issue may alleviate the other, but that will depend on your unique case.
8. Does erectile dysfunction come on suddenly?
Yes, erectile dysfunction can come on suddenly, according to Verywell Health.
There are instances where erectile dysfunction can occur unexpectedly and without much warning. These sudden unexpected cases are often caused by psychological, medicinal, or lifestyle issues. Performance anxiety is a common cause for unexpected erectile dysfunction, as anxiety in the moment can contribute to dysfunction.
It is helpful to talk to your medical provider about changes you have experienced in your life recently. Whether new responsibilities are causing stress, you have poor eating or exercise habits, or you are experiencing side effects to a new medication, you and your doctor can figure out how you can address this sudden issue and make an effort to eliminate it.
9. Does erectile dysfunction affect sperm quality?
No, erectile dysfunction does not affect sperm quality, based on the prominent causes shared by the Mayo Clinic.
Low sperm count and other issues may contribute to a case of erectile dysfunction, but erectile dysfunction unrelated to these issues should not affect sperm quality. The quality of sperm and its production are not linked to the ability to get or maintain an erection.
10. Does erectile dysfunction increase with age?
The risk for erectile dysfunction can increase with age, according to Healthline.
Aging does not mean that erectile dysfunction is inevitable, it merely means the risk of it occurring increases due to factors related to aging. Talking with your doctor about any worries regarding this can help you address these risks and make any necessary lifestyle changes.
11. Can erectile dysfunction be cured?
Depending on the cause of your erectile dysfunction and the treatment options available to you, it is possible to reverse or "cure" erectile dysfunction, as discussed by the Mayo Clinic.
Many cases of erectile dysfunction are caused by lifestyle and mental issues. In these cases consultation with a physician or mental health professional can help address these problems and enable changes. There are also options to get a prescription for erectile dysfunction online, so you have many avenues for treatment.
For other cases, you may have to seek out specialists or more advanced treatment. There are still many options. If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction, make an appointment with your medical provider as soon as possible, so that you can figure out how to treat your unique situation.
12. Can erectile dysfunction caused by diabetes be reversed?
Identifying diabetes as the cause of your erectile dysfunction and quickly working to treat it can alleviate the symptoms of erectile dysfunction, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Diabetes can cause nerve and blood vessel damage, and this damage can lead to trouble getting and maintaining erections. Treated early enough, you may prevent the onset of erectile dysfunction, or alleviate the occurrence of it.
In more severe cases of damage, there are still options for treatment, and you can still find possible solutions for your erectile dysfunction by talking with your doctor.
13. Can erectile dysfunction caused by smoking be reversed?
In many cases, when you quit smoking, erectile dysfunction problems caused by your smoking can improve, according to Healthline.
In some severe cases with long periods of heavy smoking though, permanent damage can be possible. Contact your doctor if you smoke and are experiencing issues with erectile dysfunction, so you can determine how you can move forward with treatment.
14. Can erectile dysfunction be mental?
Yes, erectile dysfunction can have a mental cause, as covered in detail by WebMD.
Stress caused by factors like work or money, performance anxiety, depression, guilt, and other mental health struggles can all contribute to erectile dysfunction symptoms. In this case, treatment may involve seeing a mental health practitioner, without necessarily needing medication.
15. Can erectile dysfunction be genetic?
There is still research ongoing about the links between genetics and erectile dysfunction.
Some research has found a potential link between erectile dysfunction and a genetic factor, but there doesn't seem to be too much consensus yet, and not a lot of treatment or consideration is put behind it. A few more years and more information may say for sure, but for now, it is not highly considered.
If you are worried about erectile dysfunction, it is important to remember that many causes of it and factors contributing to it can be treated. Contact your medical provider as soon as possible so you may figure out what treatment is right for you.
16. Can erectile dysfunction be caused by dehydration?
Yes, dehydration can cause an occurrence of erectile dysfunction, according to Healthline.
Proper hydration allows your blood to flow through your veins and arteries more efficiently and in higher volume, which enables you to get and maintain erections. If you are dehydrated, blood cell and plasma volume are decreased, and the flow is not as efficient, contributing to weak erections or the inability to get them.
This should be more of a temporary occurrence than a regular one. If you have continuous issues with dehydration causing erectile dysfunction, then getting the dehydration sorted out should alleviate your symptoms. Contact your medical provider with your concerns if you believe this may be the case.
17. Can erectile dysfunction be caused by nerve damage?
Yes, erectile dysfunction can be caused by nerve damage, according to information shared by Johns Hopkins.
Various neurological problems can contribute to erectile dysfunction. Diabetes, alcoholism, heavy metal poisoning, and other injuries causing nerve damage can potentially contribute to erectile dysfunction.
Treatment options for these causes are still developing but there are options, even experimental ones. You should check with your doctor to see if your erectile dysfunction is caused by nerve damage and see what can be suggested for possible treatment.
18. Can erectile dysfunction cause anxiety?
Yes, erectile dysfunction can cause anxiety, as covered by WebMD.
In these cases, what usually occurs is that an instance of erectile dysfunction happens, and then performance anxiety sets in, as you worry about further dysfunction. So, while anxiety can cause erectile dysfunction, erectile dysfunction can also contribute to feelings of anxiety.
It is best to seek out the help of your medical provider to see how you can address any anxiety you may have and any erectile dysfunction issues. Alleviating erectile dysfunction may help with your feelings of anxiety but focusing on ridding the anxiety first may also be helpful to your condition.
19. Can erectile dysfunction cause depression?
Yes, erectile dysfunction can contribute to depression, according to WebMD.
In WebMD's coverage, they state that "...studies have shown that men with ED may be twice as likely to develop clinical depression as compared to those without ED." This is often due to sadness, frustration, and disappointment with oneself, as erectile dysfunction can inspire feelings of inadequacy and failure.
It is important to seek out mental health treatment in these cases. Acknowledging your feelings and how you are reacting to your issues with erectile dysfunction can help you work to alleviate these new struggles with depression. Also seeking treatment for your erectile dysfunction can help alleviate some of the mental strain involved.
20. Can erectile dysfunction cause back pain?
What is more likely, is that a specific back issue is contributing to your erectile dysfunction, according to the Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Health Centre.
If you are experiencing back pain and erectile dysfunction simultaneously, it may be that you have pinched nerves or veins in a specific area in your back. This will most likely come in the form of lower back pain, and pinched veins and nerves can lead to lessened blood flow for erections.
Communicating these issues with your medical provider can help you find treatment early, and avoid extended issues with erectile dysfunction if this is truly the cause.
Conclusion
Erectile dysfunction is a common problem, but that doesn't make it any less frustrating for those who experience it. However, since it is so common you should feel more hopeful that your case can be identified and treated efficiently.
The best practice for handling your erectile dysfunction case, or suspected one, is to contact your medical provider as soon as possible to begin assessing your situation. Telling them about your lifestyle and sharing medical history may even be enough to diagnose you, so telehealth options may be available to quickly get an online prescription for erectile dysfunction.
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