Why Is Erectile Dysfunction Becoming More Common Among Young Men
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a very common medical condition where a male is not able to obtain and/or sustain an erection long enough to have successful sexual intercourse. According to the National Institutes of Health (2013), as many as 25% of men over the age of 65 experience ED on a long-term basis.
In the past, the common held belief was that the majority of cases of erectile dysfunction occur in males over the age of 40 years and that incidence of this condition increases with aging. Results of a new study, completed in 2012, and recently published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, indicated that the prevalence of ED in younger men may be a lot higher than experts previously thought. Another study, discussed at a urology conference earlier this year, indicated that most individuals who suffer form erectile dysfunction either do not follow through with treatment or do not seek treatment at all.
ED Much More Common Among Young Men than Previously Thought
Prior to this particular study, the risk and prevalence of erectile dysfunction among younger men has not been examined very thoroughly. Interestingly, these results showed that 25% of males who seek help for erectile dysfunction are under the age of 40. In addition, 50% of that percentage reported they suffered from severe ED (Capogrosso, Colicchia, Ventimiglia et al., 2013).
A team of Italian medical researchers led by Dr. Caposgrosso (2013) studied 439 males, with a diagnosis of ED, who attended an outpatients’ clinic during the timeframe of January 2010 to June 2012. Of these participants, 26% were less than 40 years old. For the most part, this younger group had a lower body mass index (BMI), better serum testosterone levels, and a lower number of other medical complaints. However, smoking and the illicit use of drugs was more prevalent in the younger test subjects, and they were also more likely to report premature ejaculation. In addition, the rates of severe ED were greater in the younger group as opposed to the older group of patients at 49% and 40% respectively.
Since ED is a risk factor for various medical conditions (i.e. heart disease, diabetes, mental health problems, etc.), these study findings highlight the necessity of obtaining a thorough medical and sexual history as well as conducting a detailed physical examination, in all males complaining of erectile dysfunction, regardless of the patient’s age (Caposgrosso, 2013).
What exactly is erectile dysfunction in the first place?
Before we dive into the more mechanical issues of curing and reversing erectile dysfunction, it’s critical that you understand exactly what we’re talking about in the first place.
Almost all of us have heard horror stories about a complete and total loss of all sexual prowess, a major malfunction of our critical piece of “hardware” and it just doesn’t seem to want to rise to the occasion like it used to. And while that issue is certainly the more visible face of erectile dysfunction, the truth of the matter is that the underlying issues that we have to contend with our much more serious and much more real.
Though it’s impossible to really determine why you’re living with erectile dysfunction in the first place (you could be dealing with a sexually transmitted disease, an injury that has yet to properly heal, psychological or other physiological issues that have yet to be resolved, or a number of cardiovascular related issues that are “clogging the pipes”), understand that very few instances of erectile dysfunction have to do with the penis at all.
No, most of the issues start farther upstream then this, with many of them being directly linked to your blood pressure, heart health, and the cleanliness of your cardiovascular system. This is why all doctors (as well as their off-line counterparts) have so many warnings about taking prescriptions without fully disclosing any of the heart or blood pressure issues you may have.
On the flipside, it’s nice to know that almost all instances of erectile dysfunction can be reversed and cured on a permanent basis – all without any real effort on your behalf whatsoever. Obviously you want to make sure that you’re getting the best advice from your doctor or off before you dive into erectile dysfunction cures, but hopefully the following information will give you the foundation that you’ve been looking for.
Curing erectile dysfunction can be as easy as popping a pill, drinking and herbal concoction, or as complex as having surgery
With the increases in medical research and scientific breakthroughs (as well as a more thorough understanding of the underlying issues causing erectile dysfunction in the first place), doctors and off-line doctors alike have been recommending a whole host of treatments that have shown incredible effectiveness.
We’ve all heard about that funny little blue pill (Viagra) that has become a cultural sensation as well as one of the best-selling prescription drugs online or off – but it’s nowhere near the only solution that you can count. Obviously, if you can secure a Viagra prescription (especially if you’re looking for better prices) you should look into it, but there are also other options should you be so inclined.
The natural remedies world (yes, that natural remedies world) as a pretty reliable track record at unveiling solutions responsible for curing and reversing erectile dysfunction. While most serious medical students, researchers, and experts would tell you that the natural remedies industry is nowhere near as effective as the medical industry, that kind of stereotyping is to be expected – especially when we’re talking about the pharmaceutical world and its multibillion-dollar profits.
Finally, you may need to invest in surgical intervention if you’re erectile dysfunction is of the very serious variety. Almost always exclusively applied to injuries that have yet to heal (or are healing incorrectly) or other more serious medical conditions, the last thing that you’re going to want to count on is the advice of any doctor when we’re talking about these kinds of stakes. No, you’re going to want to seek out reliable and reputable medical assistance that you can trust before undergoing any type of surgical procedure – doing just as much research and due diligence as you possibly can.
Erectile dysfunction is certainly one of the more “hot topics” plaguing the medical industry today, but the breakthroughs in treatments and management have really helped millions and millions of men get their lives back in order.
The “Wash Machine Effect”
Under normal circumstances, an erection occurs when psychological impulses from the brain and adequate levels of testosterone both allow for a functioning nervous system and healthy vascular penile tissue to produce an erection. This process is similar to the way a washing machine works. The brain is the on switch, the nerves are the wires that carry electrical signals to the pipes (blood vessels), and a valve opens that allows water to flow (arteries carry blood to the penis). After that, the drains shut down (the penile veins close) and water (blood) that is in the tank allows the wash cycle to begin (sexual activity).
With ED, there is a medical, physical, or psychological factor interfering with the erection process. It could be from alcohol consumption, drug use, or from a serious health condition. Basically, there are three main problems:
• Not Enough Blood – There is a decrease amount of blood flow to the penis, from diabetes, chronic, long-term smoking, or heart disease.
• Penis Cannot Store Blood – During an erection, the penis cannot adequately store the blood due to a venous leak or cavernosal dysfunction.
• Nerve Signal Dysfunction – There is an interference with signals from the brain. Diseases that cause this could include neuropathies and spinal cord injuries.
Researchers find that Erection is related to Biochemical Chain of Events
For over twenty years, scientists have known that biochemical factors trigger penile erection. However, until now, they were not sure what was needed to maintain an erection. Researchers with the Johns Hopkins Institute found a biochemical chain of events that is associated with this process. They anticipate that these new findings could result in the development of new therapies for men with ED.
A chemical called nitric oxide triggers erects after it is released from nerve tissues. This neurotransmitter relaxes muscles that allow the blood to fill in the cavernous penile tissue. In a study involving laboratory mice, Hurt and associates (2012) found that there is a complex positive feedback loop in the genital nerves that elicits waves of nitric oxide that keep the penis erect. The investigators report that nerve impulses to originate in the brain sense physical stimulation and sustain the chemical release of nitric oxide during arousal.
Since the basic biology of erections at the rodent level is similar to that of humans, this shows that the biochemical process (called phosphorylation) continues once it is begun. This is a landmark study, according to expert urologists. With this basic biological data, scientists can develop new medical treatments for men with ED who have trouble sustaining an erection. The target of therapy would be the protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylation of neuronal nitric oxide synthase, such as Forskolin, an herbal compound.
Treatment of ED with Testosterone Replacement
Male hypogonadism is one of the most frequent (but most underdiagnosed) endocrine problems. This condition can lead to erectile dysfunction, loss of libido, and depression. Only recently have doctors been using testosterone replacement treatment modalities for this condition. Men have the option of oral testosterone, scrotal patches, or skin patches. These new preparations have a desired pharmacokinetic form of testosterone that gives the patient a real choice while making therapy easy (Nieschlag, 2006).
You may be able to solve the issue at home
Lifestyle changes may help you get your mojo back if you prefer to do that before heading to the doctor’s office. If you smoke you should quit. The same applies to recreational drugs and excessive drinking. Stop the rec drugs and reduce the drinking. Any one of these habits can result in the inability to achieve an erection.
Other changes that will help would be to exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet so that your blood will circulate better. Practice safe sex to avoid damaging diseases like HIV/Aids or STDs. Not only are these diseases physically disruptive to your sex life, they are also emotionally damaging to your confidence.
You should also talk to your sexual partner about your problems with erections. If there is a problem with sexual practices that make you uncomfortable, you partner should know this. If you have high expectations that may be unrealistic for you or your partner, you both can discuss this and come up with more realistic expectations. If talking to your partner is not something you feel comfortable doing, you should seek counseling to help you think your issues through and come up with a solution.
If lifestyle changes fail, get checked out
If none of the lifestyle changes help, your doctor can do a complete work up to find out what is happening to your body. The doctor will perform several tests to check your system, including:
• Blood flow check with an ultrasound
• Examine penis and rectum
• Check your nervous system
• Sexual history Q & A
He may also do some lab tests that will likely include:
• Blood count
• Hormone profile
• Metabolic panel
• Prostate Specific Antigen ( check for cancer)
• Urinalysis
• Nocturnal penile tumescence ( night time erections)
• Rigidity monitoring
There are more tests doctors may use depending on the results of other tests to verify possible causes. Along with the Sexual history Q&A you will discuss any heart conditions that may have occurred in your life of if there is a family history of heart conditions. It is important that you be clear about your heart history because certain medication taken for the heart should never be taken along with medications used to treat erectile dysfunction.
Treatment plans that might help you
The treatment most men are familiar with is in the form of pills thanks to television and magazine ads. There are other treatments that are just as effective and one that is even more effective than the pills. In addition to the familiar pills specifically designed for ED, hormone therapy such as testosterone replacement for men with low T, which comes in different forms such as pads, gels, or injections.
The most effective treatment may be scarier than the pill only because men tend to be quite squeamish about their penis meeting with sharp objects. Injections of Alprostadil in the penis or urethra actually help to improve penile blood flow far more effectively.
Another treatment option is a surgical penile implant or prosthesis. A doctor may also recommend a vacuum device to essentially pump blood into the penis to create a firmer erection. After the penis is filled, a special rubber band is put in place to help retain the erection during intercourse.
ED Patients Do Not Receive or Fill Prescriptions, Study Says
According to a recent study, the majority of males who suffer from erectile dysfunction do not get treated even though there is a wide range of treatment options available to them. Only 25% of males they looked at actually obtained treatment. Researchers conducting the study examined an insurance claims database as well as searching for the medical code, used for erectile dysfunction, in the medical records of greater than six million ED patients (30 years of age or more) between June 2010 and July 2011.
The investigators ascertained the number of subjects who filled the prescription given to them by their doctor. If a patient filled a prescription for an erectile dysfunction medication like Cialis or Viagra, prostaglandins injection, urethral suppositories, or hormone replacement, they were considered treated. While erectile dysfunction is considered to be more prevalent with aging, older males were less likely to get treatment. Approximately, 18% of males 65 and older were treated. In addition, only 15% of subjects with prostate cancer were treated.
Medical experts claim that these percentages are not what healthcare professionals tend to observe in their day to day clinical practices. Also, they believe that patients need to be interviewed in order to determine who actually receives ED treatment. The research team did speculate on probable reasons for these findings. They include:
• Doctors did not offer any treatment option to them, the patient was not considered a good candidate, or treatments did not work in the past.
• Patient did not fill the prescription at all.
• Patient did not fill the prescription due to the high cost of some ED medications, without an insurance plan.
• Patient was embarrassed.
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