Erectile dysfunction 

Most men have occasionally experienced some difficulty with their penis becoming hard or staying firm. However, erectile dysfunction (ED) is only considered a concern if satisfactory sexual performance has been impossible on a number of occasions for some time. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse. It’s sometimes referred to as impotence, although this term is now used less often.

Occasional ED isn’t uncommon. Many men experience it during times of stress. Frequent ED, however, can be a sign of health problems that need treatment. It can also be a sign of emotional or relationship difficulties that may need to be addressed by a professional.

Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

There are many possible causes of ED, and they can include both emotional and physical conditions. Common causes include:

1. Cardiovascular disease
2. Diabetes
3. Hypertension, or high blood pressure
4. High cholesterol
5. Obesity
6. Low testosterone levels or other hormone imbalances
7. Kidney disease
8. Increased age
9. Stress
10. Anxiety
11. Depression
12. Relationship problems
13. Certain prescription medications, such as those used to treat high blood pressure or depression
14. Sleep disorders
15. Drug use
16. Consuming too much alcohol
17. Using tobacco products
18. Certain health conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis (MS)
19. Damage to the pelvic area through injury or surgery
20. Peyronie’s disease, which causes scar tissue to develop in the penis

ED can be caused by only one of these factors or by several of them. That’s why it’s important to work with your doctor so that they can rule out or treat any underlying medical conditions. 

Symptoms of Erectile dysfunction

With Erectile Dysfunction (ED), it is hard to get or keep an erection that is firm enough for sex. When ED becomes a routine and bothersome problem, your primary care provider or a Urologist can help.

ED may be a major warning sign of cardiovascular disease indicating blockages are building in a man’s vascular system. Some studies have shown men with ED are at a significant risk of getting a heart attack, stroke, or circulatory problems in the legs. ED also causes:

• Low self-esteem
• Depression
• Distress for the man and his partner

If ED is affecting a man’s well-being or his relationships, it should be treated. Treatment aims to fix or enhance erectile function, help circulatory health, and help the quality of a man’s life.

Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction

There are surgeries for erectile dysfunction but they have not been very beneficial in treating this disease. However, new clinical trial results show that stem cells can restore sufficient erectile function to allow previously impotent men to have spontaneous intercourse. This is the first time stem cell therapy has produced patients who have recovered sufficient erectile function to enable intercourse. Stem cell therapy has proven to be an effective treatment strategy for ED. The stem cell therapy involves injecting the patients’ own stem cells – derived from abdominal fat cells – into the erectile tissue of the penis. Results are generally seen within 6-12 weeks and can continue to progress positively for 6-12 months. When combining stem cell therapy with holistic diet and lifestyle interventions, it is very possible for men to achieve full function again.