Dr Alnajjar tells FEMAIL about underlying conditions which could be causing erectile dysfunction

It will possibly really feel humiliating or shameful to undergo from erectile dysfunction – even supposing it impacts half of the male inhabitants within the UK between the ages of 40 and 70.

However specialists have now revealed the situation might have darker implications, manifesting as a potential symptom of great circumstances similar to coronary heart illness or hypertension.

Dr. Hussain Alnajjar spoke to FEMAIL in regards to the potential underlying points that would result in erectile dysfunction (or ED), explaining the potential causes behind it.

He additionally spoke in regards to the significance of being seen by a medical skilled, despite the fact that many really feel embarrassed to hunt assist.

The marketing consultant uroandrologist and erectile dysfunction professional additionally outlined steps that may be taken to deal with erectile dysfunction, starting from remedy to way of life adjustments.

Rebecca Porta, CEO of the Urology Basis, mentioned it was important to handle any issues males may need about getting screened.

She mentioned: “Many males are desirous to see a health care provider if wanted, so it is vital that we attempt to fight pointless stereotypes across the illness.

How frequent is erectile dysfunction?

Dr Alnajjar mentioned that “erectile dysfunction is far more frequent than you may suppose”, explaining that one in 10 males will undergo from it throughout their lifetime, with the issue being extra frequent in males over 40.

He added: “You will need to put your well being first in these circumstances and though these conversations may be uncomfortable, it is vital to not delay seeing a healthcare skilled as a result of they could discover a therapy that best for you and determine in case your situation is an indication of one thing extra severe.

“Erectile dysfunction is definitely treatable and there are totally different types of therapy that may be supplied to males with this situation.”

What are the potential causes of erectile dysfunction?

Dr. Alnajjar defined that there are a selection of circumstances erectile dysfunction (ED) could possibly be a symptom of, as a result of connection between male arousal and the totally different bodily methods it impacts.

He says, “Male sexual stimulation is a fancy course of that entails the mind, feelings, nerves, hormones, muscle groups and blood vessels.

“ED may result from an issue with one or a mix of those.”

In the meantime, he mentioned erectile dysfunction generally is a reason for all the things from weight problems and diabetes to coronary heart and neurological illness.

In accordance with Dr Alnajjar (pictured), erectile dysfunction can generally manifest as a symptom of extra severe points as blood circulation is affected.

“Erectile dysfunction may be recognized if a person is unable to attain or keep an erection appropriate for satisfying intercourse.

“It might be related to low libido in circumstances the place low testosterone is the trigger.”

How does erectile dysfunction seem as a symptom of one thing extra severe?

In accordance with Dr. Alnajjar, erectile dysfunction can generally manifest as a symptom of extra severe issues as a result of blood circulation is affected.

“In lots of circumstances, erectile dysfunction generally is a signal of different underlying well being circumstances, similar to: atherosclerosis (hardening or blockage of the arteries), coronary heart illness, hypertension, or excessive blood sugar as a result of diabetes, particularly if the illness recurs,” he defined. .

“Such circumstances typically accompany decreased blood circulation or an issue with the nerves to the penis as a result of diabetes, which might have an effect on a person’s capacity to have an erection, therefore why erectile dysfunction may be an early warning of a extra severe sickness.”

How ought to individuals search assist for erectile dysfunction?

Dr. Alnajjar emphasised that regardless of many feeling the push and pull of the stigma across the illness, it is very important search assist from a medical skilled.

He defined: “A number of males discover it embarrassing and troublesome to speak about this matter.

“There may be nonetheless an enormous stigma hooked up to erectile dysfunction, which is why many males are afraid and reluctant to hunt medical assist.

Nonetheless, he burdened that it was important to beat any qualms about asking for assist.

“ED can have a big psychological affect on males and might have an effect on their notion of manhood, significantly if it impacts their fertility or their intimacy with their sexual associate,” he defined.

“Whereas these conversations may be uncomfortable, it is vital for males to see a medical skilled if this can be a persistent situation they’re coping with.”

When are over-the-counter medicine like Viagra sufficient?

“Over-the-counter medicines are a fast repair for a lot of males, and meaning they’ll keep away from having what they could think about ’embarrassing’ conversations with healthcare professionals,” defined Dr. Alnajjar.

He continues: “Oral medicines are generally used, are usually protected, and are an efficient type of therapy for a lot of males.

“They enhance a pure chemical (nitric oxide) in your penis that relaxes muscle groups, resulting in elevated blood circulation and an erection in response to sexual stimulation.”

He additionally identified that the medicine will have an effect on individuals in a different way relying on quite a lot of components, including: “The medicine do not work for everybody, and sure circumstances might make them much less efficient, similar to after pelvic surgical procedure or in individuals with unhealthy diabetes. managed.”

The physician mentioned way of life adjustments must be “step one in treating erectile dysfunction”, together with long-term options similar to quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, weight reduction, common cardio train, stopping illicit medicine and a Mediterranean food plan.

Dr. Alnajjar additionally mentioned that it’s essential that males with erectile dysfunction are examined by an expert to keep away from future issues.

“It is important that males with erectile dysfunction see a health care provider to allow them to be evaluated and handled by a medical professional,” he mentioned.

“This method will assist many males keep away from severe future well being issues similar to coronary heart assault or stroke.”