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Frequently Asked Questions On Erectile Dysfunction- Answered By A Urologist

• 14 Jun,2023
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Erectile Dysfunction (ED) or impotence is a sexual problem in men defined as difficulty in getting and keeping the penis erect when having sexual intercourse. It is also defined as the inability to achieve and maintain an erection long enough for sexual activity. Commonly it is known as "impotence," by many and "erectile dysfunction" is now preferred by the majority of medical professionals.
 
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about erectile dysfunction causes and treatment discussed by senior urologist in Saket, South Delhi, Delhi, Dr. Niren Rao practising at Dr. Niren Rao’s Urology Practice and Delhi Urology Hospital.
 
1. What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?
 
Erectile dysfunction can be a result of different factors that affect the nervous system, vascular system, or endocrine system. Some medical conditions or diseases can lead to Erectile dysfunction.
 
These include atherosclerosis, chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, Peyronie’s disease, multiple sclerosis, heart and blood vessels disease, and hypertension. An injury to the penis, pelvis or spinal cord can all lead to ED. ED can even happen to patients taking certain medications, having some psychological or emotional issues, or having bad lifestyle habits.

2. What are the Signs of Erectile Dysfunction?
 
Those who suffer from Erectile dysfunction experience the following symptoms:

• Not able to get penis erect sometimes while having sex
• Able to get penis erect but not being able to keep it erect long enough for having sex
• Not able to get penis erect at any time. 

If one is experiencing premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction in Delhi and looking for its treatment they can consult Dr. Niren Rao at Dr. Niren Rao’s Urology Practice at Saket, South Delhi, Delhi for more information on its treatment.
 
3. Can Circumcision Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
 
Circumcision is a minor surgery to remove the foreskin that covers the penis tip. In a research survey, it was found that circumcision can be associated with an increased incidence of erectile dysfunction. The researchers believe that circumcision can contribute to erectile dysfunction because of the damaged perineal nerve. The perineal nerve fibres in the foreskin provide the sensations to aid in erection. If these are severed during circumcision, there is a loss of penile sensitivity. However, circumcision is not a direct cause of erectile dysfunction.
 
4. Can Erectile Dysfunction be Cured?
 
Erectile dysfunction is curable for some of its causes. The curable causes include:

• Side effects of certain medications that cause Erectile Dysfunction
• Excessive intake of nicotine, drugs, and alcohol
• Hormonal imbalances- like abnormal cortisol, high prolactin, and abnormal thyroid hormone levels
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• High cholesterol
• Riding a bike for long
• Psychological or emotional causes- including stress, anxiety, depression, traumatic past experiences, performance-related anxiety, and relationship difficulties.

Contact Dr. Niren Rao, urologist in Saket, South Delhi, Delhi a urologist near you for more information on Erectile dysfunction.
 
5. Does Vi-ag-ra work for Erectile Dysfunction?
 
Yes. Vi-ag-ra is an effective medication to treat mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. When the patient takes Vi-ag-ra on an empty stomach for an hour before sex, he can get and keep his penis erect. The Vi-ag-ra effect usually lasts for 4-5 hours. For more information on male sexual health in Delhi, contact Dr. Niren Rao.
 
6. Can a Urologist Treat Erectile Dysfunction?
 
Yes. Urologists are specialised experts in male genital problems. They have the training and expertise in treating erectile dysfunction. Urologists can help diagnose Erectile Dysfunction and investigate its potential cause in the patient. 

They do this by taking a detailed medical history of the patient, conducting a thorough physical exam to check for any underlying illness, injection test, penile Doppler ultrasound, and performing blood tests for checking the functioning of the liver, kidney, and thyroid, and the levels of blood sugar, hormones, and cholesterol. The erectile dysfunction specialist in Saket, South Delhi, Delhi, Dr. Niren Rao can determine the root cause of the concern and provide effective treatment to manage the issue.
 
7. How to Improve Erectile Dysfunction?
 
Lifestyle modifications can help improve erectile dysfunction sometimes. Therefore, every doctor advises patients to regularly exercise, quit smoking, try stress relieving techniques, reduce anxiety, eat a healthy diet, and commit to losing weight (if obese or overweight). 

If the cause of erectile dysfunction is a side effect of some medication, then stopping its use can help improve erectile dysfunction. In the case of bikers or cyclists, they must not ride bikes or cycle for a while or reduce their time length to improve their condition. Alcohol and drug abusers must stop alcohol and drug intake or limit their use to improve erectile dysfunction. Some medications can help get the penis erect for a long time. If erection problems are still happening, the best way to improve erectile dysfunction is to consult a specialist doctor Dr. Niren Rao for Erectile dysfunction diagnosis in Delhi and learn more on ED remedies, counselling and treatment in Delhi.
 
8. Can Masturbation Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
 
No. It’s a myth that excessive masturbation can result in erectile dysfunction. There is no research evidence existing that too much masturbation can desensitise the penis and lead to erectile dysfunction. The actual causes of erectile dysfunction can be physical or/and psychological. The physical causes can be diabetes, obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and excessive alcohol consumption, or tobacco use.
 
The psychological causes are depression or other related mental health conditions, anxiety or stress from personal and professional life situations, or stress/difficulty with intimacy in romantic relationships.   
 
9. What Happens in Erectile Dysfunction?
 
When a man wants to have sex, his penis needs to be erect. Penile erection is because of the rush of more blood flow into the penis. This increased blood flow is stimulated by having something in direct contact with the penis along with sexual thoughts.
 
A sexually excited man will have penile muscles within the blood vessels relaxed which allows for increased blood flow. In the case of erectile dysfunction, a man is unable to get or keep his penis firm enough to have sex or perform any sexual activities. It can happen with him either occasionally or frequently and maybe always.
 
10. Can Too Much Exercise Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
 
Yes, there is a possibility. Researchers have established a connection between exercise and erectile dysfunction. Their studies have revealed that a man who is consistent in doing too much of a high-intensity endurance workout is more likely to have low libido and subsequently erectile dysfunction. 

Low libido (sex drive) can result in reduced levels of male reproductive hormones which can impact erectile function. It is important to have enough physical activity daily to reduce the risk of developing Erectile dysfunction. Too less or too much exercise is not recommended. 

Contact Dr. Niren Rao’s Urology Practice in Saket, south Delhi, Delhi, for more information on impotence and premature ejaculation treatment.
 
11. Can Kidney Problems Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
 
Yes. Erectile dysfunction is commonly seen in males suffering from kidney health issues. Kidney problems can affect a variety of bodily functions. Many factors can cause erectile dysfunction in male kidney patients. These include:

• Hormonal Imbalances- Kidneys regulate many hormones within the body by either eliminating them or metabolising them. Kidney problems can cause low production of  male reproductive hormones and increased prolactin production that may contribute to Erectile dysfunction.
• Medications- The medications taken for kidney disease can cause Erectile dysfunction as a side effect.
• Nerve Damage- Diabetics can suffer from chronic kidney disease. Diabetes can even cause penile nerve damage, resulting in Erectile dysfunction. Kidney disease can cause toxic build-up in the bloodstream that can affect the autonomous nerve system and eventually cause Erectile Dysfunction.
• Fatigue- Kidney patients suffer from fatigue due to anaemia, coping with chronic kidney disease, lack of dialysis, or co-occurrence of other health issues like heart disease. Fatigue may cause Erectile Dysfunction.
• Blood Vessel Issues- Kidney problems can result in a narrowing of blood vessels throughout the body, including those that supply blood to the penis. This can cause impaired blood flow to the penis and ultimately erectile dysfunction.

Contact Dr. Niren Rao, the best urologist in Delhi at Dr. Niren Rao’s Urology Practice, to learn more on impotence or Erectile Dysfunction treatments and effective ways to improve this issue to achieve a healthy and improved sexual life.