Studies have found that approximately 24.2% of men experience erectile dysfunction (ED). However, the truth is that this number might not even be an accurate representation because of men’s tendency to under-report sexual health issues.
Luckily, now men can seek out the treatment they need to achieve sexual well-being thanks to companies like Male Order. “Getting hard shouldn’t have to be hard,” says Tommy Rudman, CEO of Male Order.
While it might seem like erectile dysfunction isn’t that big of a deal, ED causes issues for men beyond their sex lives. Men who have erectile dysfunction may experience relationship problems or embarrassment because of their inability to perform in bed as they would like. Beyond that, it is well-known that sexual activity has numerous physical health benefits for men, so a condition like erectile dysfunction means that men will miss out on these benefits.
Unfortunately, since erectile dysfunction is a taboo topic that many men are embarrassed or afraid to talk about, that means that there are many widespread misconceptions about the condition, one of the most common of which is that ED is a “normal part of aging.” Although it is true that rates of erectile dysfunction among men increase as they age, that does not mean that it is something that men just have to accept about getting older. Not only is ED something that men can — and should — get treated, it could also indicate a greater health problem that needs to be addressed.
Common causes of ED
So, if it isn’t a natural part of aging, what causes erectile dysfunction? The truth is that there is no one culprit for ED.
“As we all know, every man — and his “manhood” — is different, and so too is every case of erectile dysfunction,” says Rudman. “The best way to know the cause of your ED is to consult with a doctor or licensed medical professional.”
Poor lifestyle choices are one factor that can contribute to the development of erectile dysfunction and sexual performance issues in men. Habits like smoking, drinking alcohol, and an unhealthy diet can all lead to ED because they impact a person’s blood flow. For example, the National Institute of Health (NIH) found that “heavy smokers” were twice as likely to develop ED as those who smoked less and that there is a correlation between obesity and erectile dysfunction. By changing their lifestyle habits, men can address these common causes of ED — perhaps without the need for medical intervention.
Many chronic health conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, have been connected with sexual performance issues. The reason why is that all of these conditions can interfere with the body’s blood flow, and blood flow is an essential aspect of achieving an erection. “Like men getting older don’t have to simply accept their ED, men with these chronic health conditions don’t have to accept it either — they can consult a doctor to get the treatment they need,” says Rudman.
Furthermore, some medications used to treat other conditions may have side effects that can cause erectile dysfunction. Some common categories of medicine that have these effects include antidepressants, antihistamines, blood pressure medications, chemotherapy, and more. Although it is important not to stop taking any medication prescribed by your doctor unless instructed to do so by a medical professional, if you believe that your medication may be the cause of your sexual performance issues, contact your doctor and they may be able to find an alternate medication that better suits your needs.
In many cases, erectile dysfunction can also be caused by psychological factors. Many men experience ED because of performance anxiety (fear that they won’t be able to sexually perform well), depression, relationship problems, trauma, stress, low self-esteem, or any number of other psychological problems that may interfere with their ability to become aroused. Sometimes, these factors are compounded by others. For example, a man with cardiovascular issues might feel anxiety over his ability to perform sexually, creating a double whammy of ED-causing factors.
Getting convenient treatment for your ED
Thankfully, there are effective, trusted treatments for erectile dysfunction available on the market. Men have been treating their sexual performance issues for years — Viagra was approved by the FDA in 1998, while Cialis was approved by the FDA in 2003. For over 20 years, men who experience sexual health problems have been able to turn to their doctors to get the help they need to combat their erectile dysfunction.
Now, the rise of by-mail pharmacies, like Male Order, will change ED treatment for the better. Male Order offers the same trusted treatment — FDA-approved generics of Viagra and Cialis — without the inconvenience or embarrassment that comes with seeing an in-person doctor to get ED treatment. With Male Order, patients can see a licensed physician with an online telehealth appointment and receive their prescription by mail in as little as two days with fast, discreet shipping.
Indeed, thanks to services like Male Order, men can overcome their erectile dysfunction and achieve optimal sexual health. Whatever the cause of your ED may be, one of Male Order’s doctors can help you find the solution you need to get back to performing at the level you desire.