When Should You Get Help For Erectile Dysfunction?
How Often is Too Often for ED
Disclaimer: Your healthcare provider is the best source of health and medical information. Articles written by UPGUYS are informed by peer-reviewed studies and research, as well as governmental health authorities and agencies — but they cannot replace advice from a healthcare professional. Talk to your healthcare provider about any physical or mental health concerns you might have.
Almost nothing in life works one-hundred percent of the time. Despite our best efforts at achieving perfection, the complexities of life always seem to get in the way. The human body — in all its glory — has a tendency to fail us as well. For men, a particular part of the body not working as intended can cause stress and embarrassment.
To be sure, most men experience some erectile difficulties from time to time. Maybe it’s after a late night that featured several drinks. Maybe work has been particularly stressful or physically draining. Maybe you’re with a new partner and are anxious about performing.
The British Columbia Health Authority suggests that occasional erection problems are normal and not necessarily cause for concern. But how do you know when occasional problems achieving and maintaining erection are cause for concern? In other words, when should you get help for erectile dysfunction?
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Definitions for erectile dysfunction vary by health authority, although they all share a lot in common. The Cleveland Clinic says that an inability to get and maintain an erection hard enough for sexual intercourse one-out-of-five times (20 percent) is normal. But once erectile difficulties occur 50 percent of the time, there may be an underlying problem that needs to be addressed. For its part, the Canadian Urology Association (CUA) defines ED as the persistent or recurrent inability to achieve and maintain erection sufficient for sex over a period of three months.
Following one or both of these guidelines provides a good framework for deciding if what you’re experiencing is part of the normal, expected frequency of erectile difficulties, or if you should talk to a doctor. There are, fortunately, highly effective treatments for ED. There are also ways you can help to improve your erections that don’t involve medicine.
When Should I Seek Help?
If you’ve noticed you’re having regular issues achieving and maintaining an erection, you don’t have to wait for it to happen half the time over a period of three months before talking to a doctor. If you feel comfortable talking to your family doctor, schedule an appointment and let them know your symptoms. You can also check out online options for scheduling a call with a doctor.
For the more “do-it-yourself” kind of guys, try making some simple changes that have been shown to benefit erectile function. Get active for at least 30 minutes a day, even if it’s just for a brisk walk. Keeping your cardiovascular health in good shape can have positive knock-on benefits for penis health as well. What’s more, being overweight or obese can work against you when it comes to ED. Another way to support your heart health is to consume more fruits, vegetables and healthy fats in your diet. Foods like salmon, almonds, avocados and olive oil can all help your ticker tick better. Lastly, watch out for excessive alcohol consumption, tobacco/nicotine, and recreational drugs, as they can all negatively impact erectile function.
Of course, with or without trying any of the strategies above, it’s never a bad idea to check in with your doctor. If appropriate, she or he may prescribe you erectile dysfunction medications (EDM) like Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil), or Levitra (vardenafil). These drugs are between 69–80 percent effective and have been used by millions of men around the world. They can, however cause mild or serious side effects, and interact with drugs like nitrates and alpha blockers. Talk to your doctor to see erectile dysfunction medication is a healthy option for you.
It’s Up to You
No matter what the guidelines for erectile dysfunction are, your health is your responsibility and how you experience it is personal to you. There’s no doubt that ED, in any form, can cause a lot of distress for men, and their partners as well. What’s important is noticing changes in your body and talking to a health professional to determine what your options are, whether they be lifestyle changes, prescription medication, or a combination of both.
So, how often is too often for ED? It’s up to you — and only you — to decide.
