Let’s be honest, if you’re reading this it is probably because you’ve tried and failed to get your hands on some real Viagra and it is now close to the end of the day. You’ve either been to the drugstore or you’ve gone online and searched for the magical little blue pill that will get your penis standing up and ready for action. You’ve tried a few different methods none of which have worked. You’re probably not feeling very good about yourself.
But it’s not your fault. Viagra is actually a very complicated drug to produce. It is both natural and synthetic, which means it is either manufactured from plants or chemically synthesized. It is approved by the FDA to treat erectile dysfunction, but it is also often referred to as a “wonder drug” because it treats so many different problems. What is more is that it is usually very effective for those who take it. It is also popularly associated with better mental health as well as sexual health, so many people are glad to take it every day.
Because of its effectiveness and popularity, many manufacturers have tried to replicate the drug to satisfy demand. But the process of creating Viagra is extremely complex, so when they fail to get the formula just right many of the positive effects disappear. That is why it is so important to try the drug if you are experiencing any of the issues it is approved to treat. But just because a drug is FDA approved it does not mean it is perfect for everyone.
The Cause Of Most Erectile Dysfunction
Most men will experience some degree of erectile dysfunction in their lifetimes. According to the American Urologic Association, about 30 to 40 million men in the U.S. alone have some sort of erectile dysfunction issue. That is nearly one in three men. Worldwide, the number is even higher with some estimates putting the number at over 100 million men with erectile dysfunction. So it is fairly common. And the issue does not seem to be going away anytime soon. In fact, according to data from the American Association for Retired People, the percentage of men aged 60 to 69 reporting ED increased from 23% in 2011 to 28% in 2015.
The good news is there are effective treatments for erectile dysfunction, and most men can enjoy normal to excellent erectile function with the right medication. The bad news is that not everyone will be able to benefit from the medication and some may experience adverse side effects. That is why it is so important to try and see how effective a medication or therapy is for yourself before committing to anything.
To try and understand exactly what is causing your erectile dysfunction it is important to first determine your type. As mentioned above, most men will experience some level of erectile dysfunction in their lifetime. But there are five types of erectile dysfunction as categorized by the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM):
- Hyposmia (Foggy Thinking)
- Hypersexuality (Excessive Libido)
- Erectile Incapacitation (No Ability To Ejaculate Or Poor Blood Flow)
- Psychological (From Stress, Anxiety Or Depression)
- Premature Ejaculation (Too Soon After Intercourse)
Each Type Of Erectile Dysfunction And What To Do About It
As mentioned above, most men will experience some degree of ED. But the issue can be quite serious for some. If you are one of the few men who experience what is known as “complete” erectile dysfunction it can be very frustrating. What is more is that there is actually no set age for complete ED. It can happen to anyone at any time. And if you are wondering, yes, it is possible to have complete ED from a complete inability to get an erection or ejaculation. However, that is a very rare occurrence and many doctors will not see patients in that situation. It’s usually the case for most men that they experience some level of erectile dysfunction that is not complete. But for those men it can be extremely frustrating as they may feel like they are not able to please their wife or partner. They may also feel like they are letting themselves down.
So let’s talk about each of the types of erectile dysfunction and what to do about it.
Hyposmia (Foggy Thinking)
This is the most common type of erectile dysfunction and is the result of a lack of oxygen in the blood. While you are usually not aware of it, you are actually breathing poorly. When you breathe in, your diaphragm is not expanding as it should be and you are not drawing in as much air as you should be. While this may not seem like a big issue, without proper oxygen flow throughout your body your brain and nervous system can become sluggish and inefficient. That is why it is important to pay attention to your breathing and make sure you are getting enough air.
Since most people are more familiar with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) than they are with hyposmia, let’s discuss how to deal with it first. If you think you are experiencing hypoglycemia then it is important to check your blood sugar level. Most people with hyposmia have blood sugar levels that are either normal or slightly elevated. They just do not produce as much insulin as they should, which causes their blood sugar to stay low for longer periods of time. So if you are wondering why you are not producing enough insulin then it could be due to low blood sugar. Take a look at the blood sugar indicator on your phone or other electronic device to determine if you are in fact experiencing hypoglycemia or just have low blood sugar. If it is the first, then you will need to eat something to raise your blood sugar. If it is the second, then you may be experiencing something else entirely. Remember, only you know what is going on inside your mind and body, and therefore, you are the only person who can determine what is the root of your sexual problems.
Hypersexuality (Excessive Libido)
If you are experiencing hypersexuality, then you are likely having problems with the ability to regulate your sex drive. Either you are not satisfied with the amount of sexual pleasure you are getting from your current partner or you find yourself constantly seeking more intense sexual experiences. Remember, the body needs to decompress and relax after a stressful day at work or school, so you may be over-stimulating yourself and causing more damage than good. It is also important to remember that there is a wide variety of sexual experiences out there and not all of them are good for you. If you are wanting to explore different kinks or fetishes then it is important that you do so safely and with a partner you can trust. Make sure you are always taking care of your needs and wants, but also make sure that your partner is comfortable enough with what you are doing and that they want to continue doing it.
Erectile Incapacitation (No Ability To Ejaculate Or Poor Blood Flow)
This is the medical term for erectile dysfunction when there is actually no problem with the erection itself, but rather, it is the inability to ejaculate or to achieve orgasm through normal physiological processes. In most cases, this type of erectile dysfunction is caused by some sort of problem with the nerves or blood flow to the penis. Since it is not a problem with the actual erection, it is usually not treated with medications such as Viagra or Cialis. However, psychological disorders often cause this type of dysfunction and counseling can often help. It is also important to note that this type of erectile dysfunction can often be improved with time. So while it is frustrating not being able to ejaculate or achieve orgasm, once you learn to live with it then it can actually be a very satisfying experience. Be sure to talk to your doctor about what is causing your erectile dysfunction so they can help you discover the root of the issue.
Psychological (From Stress, Anxiety Or Depression)
Many men experience some degree of erectile dysfunction as the result of psychological or emotional stress. It is often caused by a combination of factors such as having anxiety or depression and being under a great deal of pressure at work or school. Men who experience this type of erectile dysfunction usually benefit from talking to a doctor or counselor about their stress levels and how they are dealing with the pressure. It is also important to note that in most cases, this type of erectile dysfunction can be improved with time and proper therapy. So while it can be frustrating not being able to get an erection or ejaculate during sex due to anxiety or depression, once you are able to work through your issues then it can be a very satisfying experience. Be sure to speak with your doctor about what is causing your anxiety and depression so they can help you find the root of the problem.