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Topics: Health
Callum Jones
An expert has detailed when you should book an appointment with your doctor about erectile dysfunction (ED) and how you can experience stronger erections on a more regular basis.
While erectile dysfunction doesn't necessarily mean there's an underlying condition at the cause, it's always best to get checked out if you have any worries down there.
It's believed that some 30 million men in the US suffer from erectile dysfunction, so it's evidentially a problem that impacts a great many.
Ian Budd, an expert in men's health, sat down with the Metro recently to explain when it's probably best to visit a doctor.
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Budd said: "As erections rely on healthy blood vessels and good blood flow, difficulties in this area can sometimes appear before other symptoms of cardiovascular disease. The arteries that supply the penis are smaller than those serving the heart or brain, meaning early vascular changes can show up as erection issues."
The pharmacist noted some of the more common underlying health problems linked to ED include coronary artery disease (CAD), peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and hypertension-related vascular damage.
With 30 million men in the US suffering from ED there's no doubt the condition is common, with Budd noting that the likes of depression, anxiety, stress and low mood can lead to men struggling to maintain an erection.
The expert noted that excessive alcohol use and smoking can also lead to ED.
"From a pharmacy perspective, we encourage people to view erectile dysfunction as part of a bigger health picture, rather than an isolated issue," Ian added.
"It doesn’t always signal cardiovascular disease, but when symptoms are persistent, it can be a valuable opportunity to check in on your vascular health."
You may have gone to the doctors and been told you don't have erectile dysfunction but are still struggling in the bedroom.
Thankfully, there are a number of lifestyle changes you can make to assist with that.
Dr Jeff Foster told Metro that incorporating more exercise is key as he explained: "Muscles, especially those important in maintaining an erection, sometimes lose tone and strength. Exercise such as pelvic floor exercises may help to prevent erectile dysfunction."
Your diet is another key part, Dr Foster went on to explain, with protein foods such as meat, poultry and fish believed to be key as 'they provide the amino acid, L-arginine, which widens and relaxes blood vessels improving blood flow to the penis'.