ED Side Effects (And What You Can Do About Them)

ED Side Effects (And What You Can Do About Them)

Approximately one in ten men suffer from erectile dysfunction, or ED, in the long run. According to another review, this number is much higher, at around a third of all men. With how common ED is, understanding the underlying causes and side effects of ED becomes important, even if you haven’t been diagnosed with it. With numerous ways to reduce symptoms, fighting back against erectile dysfunction is always possible.

Causes of ED

Both the causes and effects of erectile dysfunction are numerous, which makes diagnosis a multi-stage process. Depending on factors like weight, height, genetics, and other physiological factors, the chances of experiencing ED symptoms can vary drastically. Some common causes of ED include:

Psychological

Psychological states, like depression, anxiety, and stress, can induce ED. These are also common side effects of excessive caffeine consumption and steroid usage. Previous traumatic events experienced during childhood or even with a partner can have a lasting impact on men, impeding their ability to perform.

Physiological

Physical factors, like blood flow, are common causes of ED. When the blood supply to the penis is blocked or reduced, maintaining an erection can become incredibly difficult. This can become a recurring condition that leads to ED as a side effect of steroid usage and diabetes.

ED Side Effects

The effects of erectile dysfunction are widespread, and even getting diagnosed with it can immediately trigger a few of them.

two men talking at a desk

Anxiety

Getting diagnosed with ED can be a life-changing event for most people. Not knowing how to deal with a sudden diagnosis is disorienting and can be a heavy mental burden to bear. According to studies, anxiety is also a cause of ED. This means that men who already struggle with anxiety can end up in a catch-22 situation, where their previous anxiety ends up causing more of it.

The best way to mitigate this ED side effect is to work through your diagnosis with a mental health professional. The stigma associated with conditions like erectile dysfunction can often lead men to think that seeking help for their condition is something to be ashamed of when it isn’t. Sitting down with a professional and getting a chance to be clear about your feelings is a therapeutic process that can help reduce the causes and effects of erectile dysfunction, like anxiety.

Additionally, a solid support system is always great to have. Being open with your partner about your condition can create a welcoming and healing environment at home, further reducing anxiety.

Physical Impacts

ED side effects are split between physical and mental. The immediate effect most people associate with erectile dysfunction is unreliable sexual performance. This means that people diagnosed with ED are unable to either get or maintain an erection for extended amounts of time. This can mean a loss of erections either before or during sexual activity.

A great way to deal with this side effect of ED is honesty. An open conversation and attitude with your sexual partners about your condition can make it much easier for both of you to move past these situations. A diagnosis also doesn’t mean that your sex life has to come to a halt. Handy inventions like penis sleeves are helping men fight back against the symptoms of ED, making sex enjoyable for both parties.

Thankfully, there’s a lot more you can do to work on yourself and reduce the effects of erectile dysfunction. One health-related factor associated with erectile dysfunction is being overweight. Being physically active and performing Kegel exercises can reduce the side effects of ED and also helps reduce feelings of inadequacy. Being confident about your body and pushing the limits of what it can achieve is a fantastic way of beating the stigma and becoming the best version of yourself.

man stretching on race track

Medication

Men dealing with ED will inevitably take medication. Unfortunately, there are also some side effects associated with medication that affect certain men. These include headaches, body pain, dizziness, and periodic rashes or redness of the skin. While these aren’t debilitating side effects of ED, it always helps to be aware of them.

The only real way to deal with this is to make sure you’re always well-hydrated and only consuming medication as prescribed by a professional.

Stronger Than Ever

Dealing with the effects of erectile dysfunction is a disorienting new experience, but it doesn’t have to take over your lifestyle.

Along with professional help and a great support system, you also have access to new-age supplements and accessories by RX Sleeve to help you regain control over your sex life.