Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

An erection is a physiological response that occurs during sexual arousal or stimulation, characterized by the dilation of blood vessels in the genital area, allowing the spongy tissue to become engorged with blood, consequently leading to the hardening, enlargement, and elevation of the penis in people with penises and the clitoris in people with vaginas.  Erections may also take place in non-sexual situations, in response to certain physical stimuli.

Erectile dysfunction is the inability to obtain or sustain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. 

Causes:

The causes of erectile dysfunction often involve a combination of physical, medical, psychological, and interpersonal factors, leading to different types of erectile dysfunction:

  • Vascular erectile dysfunction: the most common type, when the blood vessels are affected.

  • Hormonal erectile dysfunction: results from a hormonal imbalance usually in testosterone levels or due to thyroid issues.

  • Neurogenic erectile dysfunction: when nerve problems prevent signals from traveling from the brain to the genitals.

  • Psychogenic erectile dysfunction: involves the feelings, cognitions, and behaviors related to sexuality.

Treatment and prevention:

Treatments are always tailored to each individual’s case and preferences. They include: 

  • Counseling or therapy/sex therapy: assists in addressing psychological concerns, such as anxiety, depression, or performance problems.

  • Promoting a healthy lifestyle: involves maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, refraining from smoking, alcohol, and substance consumption, and focusing on stress management techniques.

  • Medical checkup: medical screening tests and managing existing health conditions.

  • Medications to treat the underlying causes, increasing the blood flow, or hormonal therapy. Moreover, switching or adjusting medications (e.g. antidepressants) with the guidance of a healthcare provider is essential in some cases.

  • Surgical treatments are recommended in some cases.

Doctors might recommend other types of treatments according to each case, such as:

  • Penile low intensity focused shockwave therapy (LiSWT): works on improving the genital blood flow.

  • Penis pump: consists of creating a vacuum effect to increase the blood flow in the penis.

  • Penis implant: the last go-to method consists of surgically inserting erection-inducing devices into the penile region.

Written by:

Cristel Lahoud | Sexual health educator, midwife

Cristel Lahoud is a sexual health educator at Marsa, holding a Bachelor's degree in Midwifery and currently pursuing a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology. Her profound dedication lies in raising awareness and promoting advocacy for both sexual and reproductive health.