Introduction:
Millions of men around the globe suffer from Erectile Dysfunction, which is identified by the persistent inability to generate and sustain strong erections for long enough to perform satisfactory sexual intercourse. It’s not a new issue as the traces of ED dates back centuries. But in recent times the number of ED patients has seen a substantial increase. It has various underlying causes and alcohol is one of them. In this article, we will discuss about the relationship between ED and alcohol
Cause of Erectile Dysfunction:
Erectile Dysfunction can occur due to the damaged nerves caused by penile trauma, health issues like hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes etc. All these issues can hamper the blood flow in the penis and contribute to the development of ED. Lack of testosterone hormone can also induce ED by decreasing sexual desire and arousal. Nitric oxide is also very important in generating erections. Lack of sufficient NO level can decrease the blood flow within penile tissues and lead to ED. Unhealthy diet, lack of physical exercises and smoking also can induce ED in men. And finally, can alcohol cause ED? Let’s see.
Role of Alcohol in Erectile Dysfunction:
Drinking too much alcohol has a significant impact on the development or progression of Erectile Dysfunction. By damaging the nerves, it might obstruct the erection process. Damaged nerves might trigger a drop in Nitric Oxide levels in the body, which may then cause a reduction in blood flow to the penile tissues. Long-term drinking can also lower the level of the hormone testosterone in the body, which is essential for healthy male sexual function. Additionally, excessive drinking can harm the liver and raise estrogen levels in the body. The amount of the testosterone hormone might get decreased further by increased estrogen. Furthermore, consuming too much alcohol can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety, both of which can significantly increase the risk of developing Erectile Dysfunction.
Treatments For Erectile Dysfunction
- Medicines: Viagra, Cialis and Levitra are the most frequently used Erectile Dysfunction treatment options in the world. These medicines enhance the blood flow in the penis and aid men in generating erections. Many men often take these drugs without any sort of medical recommendation, which is not recommended as these medicines can have some serious negative side-effects.
2.Managing Underlying Medical Conditions: If illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol are thought to be contributing factors of ED, then addressing these disorders is essential to enhance erectile function. But if issues like hypertension or high cholesterol cause permanent damage to the blood vessels, then ED can’t be improved by just managing these conditions solely.
- Vacuum Pumps for Erectile Dysfunction: These pumps are very effective in inducing erections. Penile vacuum pumps generate erections by pulling blood into the penis through suction. Constriction ring is then used to sustain that erection for longer period time.
- Penile Injections: Penile injections are minimal invasive procedures where medicines are injected directly to the penis. This treatment is provided to those who don’t respond to more traditional oral treatments.
- Surgeries: Surgical techniques are reserved for extreme cases. Surgery is only recommended when Erectile Dysfunction becomes very severe and when the condition doesn’t improve with any conventional therapy. Surgical options have a lot of negative side effects. The most popular surgical ED procedures are penile implants. Penile implants are mechanical devices which are placed inside the penis through surgery.
- Shockwave Therapy and EMTT Therapy: Shockwave therapy for ED is a non-invasive modern treatment solution. This therapy incorporates low-intensity acoustic waves to improve the blood flow within penile tissues and to generate new blood vessels. According to MansMatters, a UK-based specialized men’s health clinic, shockwave therapy is probably the best treatment to get right now for ED. It is extremely safe and has no major side-effects whatsoever. The clinic also claims that effectiveness of shockwave therapy increases when it is used in conjunction with EMTT therapy. EMTT therapy is another modern non-invasive ED treatment which uses magnetic fields to promote the generation of new endothelial cells and to hasten their healing process. Endothelial cells are vital for proper erectile function as they produce NO, which is essential for proper blood flow in the penis. MansMatters also provide treatments like Tesla Chair and NanoVi, which are non-invasive as well and are very effective in treating ED.
Limit Alcohol Consumption:
If you are a heavy drinker, then make sure to lower your alcohol consumption. Although alcohol doesn’t have a significant impact on the development of ED in moderate drinkers, it is best if you can reduce this habit. But how do you reduce this habit? Well, try to do it gradually and slowly. Whenever you feel like to drink, try to focus on something else completely unrelated to alcohol. You will require a very strong mind-set in order to quit drinking. You can constantly remind yourself about the potential negative consequences of alcohol consumption. Also, you can seek help from specialists who can aid you in this situation.
Conclusion:
So, without any doubt it can be said that Erectile Dysfunction and alcohol have a very strong association. Thanks to the constant development of medical science, today there exist a range of invasive and non-invasive ED treatments. If you are a heavy drinker and suffering from ED, then make sure to limit your alcohol intake and consult with an experienced medical professional. With moderation in alcohol consumption and effective treatments, you can definitely hope to regain a healthy sexual function back.