Erectile dysfunction in men and parenthood

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common disorder that affects men of all ages. According to the World Health Organization, about 15% of men aged 40 to 70 experience this problem, and the prevalence increases with age. It is manifested by an inability to obtain or maintain an erection necessary for a complete sexual intercourse. It is not just a physiological issue, but also an important aspect of men's health, affecting emotional well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life. For example, men suffering from erectile dysfunction often feel insecure, which can lead to deterioration in their relationships with their partner and the development of depression. In this article, we will examine the main causes, symptoms, and treatments of erectile dysfunction in men, as well as options to address conception problems using artificial insemination methods.

Causes of erectile dysfunction

The causes of erectile dysfunction can be both physiological and psychological. The most common include:

• Vascular diseases. Disorders of blood circulation in the penis are one of the main causes of erectile dysfunction. Cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and hypertension can lead to erectile dysfunction.
• Hormonal imbalance. A decrease in testosterone levels or other endocrine system disorders often leads to sexual problems in men.
• Bad habits. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and drug use significantly affect men's health and erectile function.
• Chronic diseases. Diabetes, kidney and liver diseases, chronic inflammatory processes can negatively impact sexual arousal and erection.
• Psychological causes. Stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues can also cause erectile disorders despite normal physical health.

Symptoms of erectile dysfunction

The main symptom of erectile dysfunction is a prolonged erection problem. Other symptoms include:

• Inability to obtain an erection;
• Erection problems - an erection that does not last long enough to allow for sexual intercourse;
• Decreased sexual desire or complete absence of sexual desire;
• Difficulties in maintaining an erection during sexual arousal.

These symptoms may indicate the need to consult a specialist, especially if they persist for more than a few months.

Diagnosis of erectile dysfunction

The diagnosis of erectile dysfunction involves several steps:

1. Physical examination and medical history. The doctor gathers information about the patient's general health condition, bad habits, chronic diseases, and any potential psychological factors.
2. Blood tests. Checking testosterone levels and other hormones helps identify hormonal disorders.
3. Ultrasound of blood circulation in the penis. This study assesses the condition of the vessels responsible for erection.
4. Sexual arousal tests. Certain specialized tests help doctors determine whether erection problems are related to psychological or physiological factors.

Treatment of erectile dysfunction

The treatment of erectile dysfunction depends on the causes of the problem and may include both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods. It is important to consider the individual characteristics of each patient when choosing a treatment method to achieve the best results.

1. Pharmacological treatment: Medications that increase blood circulation in the penis are the most common treatments for erectile dysfunction. These include medications such as Viagra, Cialis, and other phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. However, these medications may have side effects such as headaches, hot flashes, digestive issues, and vision problems; therefore, it is important to discuss the potential risks of these medications with your doctor. These medications such as Viagra, Cialis, and other phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors help dilate blood vessels and improve erections during sexual arousal.
2. Hormonal therapy If erectile dysfunction is associated with low testosterone levels, the doctor may prescribe hormone replacement therapy to normalize hormonal balance.
3. Psychotherapy When stress or psychological problems are the main causes, collaboration with a psychologist or sexologist may prove effective. Psychotherapy helps overcome psychological blocks that hinder normal sexual life.
4. Lifestyle changes One of the most important elements of treating erectile dysfunction is lifestyle change. Quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, engaging in physical activity, and maintaining a healthy diet have a positive effect on sexual health and erection.
5. Physical therapy Physical exercises aimed at improving blood circulation in the pelvic area can help improve erections. There are also special suction devices that stimulate blood flow to the penis.

Prevention of erectile dysfunction and medical solutions for conception

To maintain a healthy erection, it is important to follow these recommendations: regular exercise (such as running, swimming, or weight training), a balanced diet (including foods rich in zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, such as nuts, fish, vegetables, and fruits), stress management, and avoiding bad habits (smoking, drug use…). When natural conception proves impossible due to erectile dysfunction or other factors, modern reproductive technologies offer several effective options such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), IVF with egg donation, and IVF with double donation. In vitro fertilization is a method by which the egg is fertilized by a sperm cell outside the woman's body, and then the embryo is transferred to the uterus. If a woman has problems with the quality or quantity of her eggs, she resorts to a donor. Double donation involves using both donor eggs and sperm, which is suitable for couples where both partners have reproductive health issues that prevent the use of their own sex cells.