Many men struggle with impotence on a chronic basis. Though it can initially have an impact on your sex life, erectile dysfunction (ED) is a very common and treatable condition. If you think you’re suffering from ED, read on as the experts from Medical Center Urology in High Point, NC, discuss the symptoms to look out for.

Five Signs of Erectile Dysfunction You Should Be Aware Of

1. Difficulty Getting an Erection

It’s natural to sometimes have trouble getting an erection. But if you’re experiencing episodes occurring over a span of two months or more, consult with your urology specialist for an evaluation.

2. Trouble Maintaining an Erection

If you can get an erection but have trouble maintaining it, you may have ED. Like all episodes of impotence, it’s important to consider the frequency. If you’re occasionally having trouble maintaining an erection, it’s probably just situational. Likewise, if you’re still able to maintain an erection during masturbation but not sex, there’s a chance it’s psychological. Keep an eye out if the onset is gradual and it persists over several months.

3. Premature Ejaculation

Premature ejaculation is a frustrating, but common occurrence most men will experience at some point in their lives. However, if you’re experiencing premature ejaculation on a consistent basis, there is a chance it’s related to erectile dysfunction. Luckily, after treatment, issues relating to premature ejaculation usually resolve.

4. Heart Disease

While some signs of erectile dysfunction are obvious, others are indirectly related. Heart disease and other conditions that restrict blood flow can cause ED by decreasing blood flow to the penis. Similarly, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and atherosclerosis can increase your risk of having ED.

5. Nerve Disorders & Neurological Conditions

Another indirect sign of erectile dysfunction is having a neurological or nerve disorder, including Parkinson’s disease, stroke, temporal lobe epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and spinal or brain tumors. These conditions increase the risk for ED because they can change the ways the brain sends signals to the reproductive system. If you suffer from a nerve or neurological disorder, speak with your urology specialist. 

These symptoms can be troubling, but the sooner you speak with a urology specialist, the sooner you can get treated for erectile dysfunction. For everything from prostate cancer screenings to incontinence, the experts at Medical Center Urology provide an array of services. For more information, visit their website and call (336) 882-0220 to schedule an appointment today.