9 Signs You Need Help With E.d.

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

About

Constance Tambakis Odom, MD graduated in 1987 with her Doctorate of Medicine from the New York Medical College, and was an Anesthesiologist Resident from 1988 to 1991 at the Brookdale Medical Center PGY II (CA-I)-PGY IV (CA-III). She is Board Certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology since 1998 and American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine since 2002. Constance Odom, MD is affiliated with the American Medical Association, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, American Society of Anesthesiology, Georgia Society of Anesthesiology, Hellenic Medical Society of New York, North Carolina Society of Anesthesiology, and Society of Ambulatory Anesthesia.

Credentials

Medical Director At:

• Nu Image Medical
• MetroMedispa P.A.

Staff Anesthesiologist at:

• Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital in Dunn, NC
• Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, NC
• Duplin General Hospital in Kenansville, NC

Director of Anesthesia Services at:

• Jacksonville Surgery Center in Jacksonville, NC

Written by our editorial team.

Last Edited 4 years ago · 6 min read

Men have a hard time talking about sexual inadequacies, as many feel embarrassed, frustrated, and even angry when they experience problems with intercourse. When it comes to erectile dysfunction, men aren’t willing to open up about their concerns, which makes it harder for physicians to diagnose a medical condition that may be occurring. Arousal in males is a complicated process, as there is a lot of interaction between emotions, hormones, brain signals, blood vessels, nerves, and muscles. If any part of this process is experiencing a dysfunction, it can throw the whole thing off track. With the help of medical interventions like Mt. Everest and the involvement of a knowledgeable physician, you don’t have to let ED destroy your intimacy.

Areas of Impact

ED can affect men's sexual health, but in turn, any difficulties with sexual activity can impact emotional or mental health. Males who suffer from erectile dysfunction may experience a variety of emotions that impact their self-confidence and self-esteem. They may suffer from performance anxiety, and they may experience relationship problems as a result. This can lead to depression and stress, which will only serve to make the problem worse. All of these areas can lead to feelings of guilt and inadequacy, which can impact how a man perceives his sense of belonging and performance abilities in other areas of life. This could include job satisfaction, sports achievement, domestic involvement, and social engagement. Health problems can slow or moderately impact sexual abilities, but mental and emotional factors can significantly affect your ability to have and maintain an erection.

The Early Warning Signs

Even if you aren’t currently experiencing any problems getting an erection and keeping until both you and your partner have been satisfied, you could still be headed toward ED. You won't just wake up one day and have problems; they often lurk beneath the surface and send subtle warning signs. Even something you don’t consider serious could be the indication that trouble is brewing. Your body will find different ways of communicating a more important issue, and you need to pay attention to the message.

1. Early Morning Silence

Having an erection first thing in the morning is rarely related to arousal, as it is a sign that the blood vessels keeping the blood flowing to the penis are healthy. Also, while you are sleeping, the brain puts a halt on its release of noradrenaline. This is the hormone that keeps erections from happening without stopping. If you notice that your early morning wake-up routine isn’t involving an erection, it might indicate the blood vessels are working as they should. This could lead to problems with arousal when you are actually trying to get hard.

2. Sex Isn’t on the Brain

If the things that used to turn you on aren’t working anymore, it might be an indication that the testosterone levels are lower than normal. This is the hormone that is in charge of your sex drive, and the levels are dropping, your desire may drop as well. Because of the interconnected system, when your mind isn’t in the game, the rest of your body probably won’t be either. Low testosterone levels can also create mood changes, increased fatigue, a developing gut, or difficulty building muscle.

3. High Blood Pressure or Cholesterol

When you have both high blood pressure and cholesterol, it can damage your blood vessels and more them less elastic. This makes it harder for them to flow into the penis, and make getting hard

4. Prescription Medication

High blood pressure meds and antidepressants make it harder for arousal hormones to reach the brain. You’ll notice within a few weeks of taking the meds.

5. Swollen or Tender Gums

Gum disease can lead to inflammation which can damage blood vessels. Once again, if the vessels aren’t functioning, it is more difficult to get an erection.

6. Shorter Erections

You may still be hard enough for sex, but if you notice changes in your erection, it could be an early sign of ED. It is usually a progressive condition.

7. Sleeping Trouble

A lack of sleep can start to interfere with your sexual health. Almost 70% of males with sleep apnea have ED.

8. Kidney Disease

If you develop kidney disease, you might also struggle with maintaining an erection. Some medical conditions impact blood circulation, hormone levels, and energy.

9. Psychological Factors

Many men will be affected by ED, with almost 70% of guys experiencing it by the time they are 70. Anxiety, stress, and frustration over performance can make the problem worse.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms, there is help.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your physician about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Nu Image Medical may not offer the medications or services mentioned in this article.