Can ED cause infertility?
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Updated on 17 April, 2024
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Erectile dysfunction tops the chart when it comes to men’s closeted concerns. Often called ‘male impotence’, Erectile Dysfunction turns out to be one of the biggest insecurities in most men. It tends to scare & confuse most though impotence does not necessarily affect their fertility.
However, this does not exclude the possibility of impotence and infertility occurring together. On the positive side, not every man who experiences erectile dysfunction is infertile. Infertility and impotence are not the same though they are often interchangeably referred to.
Before you work yourself up about knowing the difference, let’s take a quick look at what Erectile Dysfunction actually is-
What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction refers to having difficulty in achieving or maintaining an erection firm/hard enough for sexual intercourse all or most of the time.
Although data indicates that every guy between the ages of 40 and 70 may occasionally experience impotence, it might be awkward to bring up the subject in front of others, especially close ones. Therefore, this article is here to help you dispel all of your misunderstandings regarding erectile dysfunction, infertility, and the relationship between the two.
Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
The causes of ED can be both physical and psychological. Physical causes of ED include conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and other health concerns that affect blood flow to the penis. Certain medications, such as antidepressants and blood pressure drugs, can also cause ED.
Different psychological and lifestyle factors can cause ED. This can include stress, anxiety, and depression. In some cases, ED may be caused by a combination of both physical and psychological factors. It is important for men experiencing ED to seek medical help, as there are various treatment options available that can help improve their sexual function.
Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction
ED can often be a sign of cardiovascular disease that hints at the blockages building up in your vascular system. Studies show that men with ED are at high risk of getting a stroke, heart attack, and circulatory concerns in their legs.
Whereas the most common symptoms of ED are the inability of the penis to obtain an erection when desired, difficulty with maintaining an erection, and/or decreased arousal in response to sexual stimulation.
You can also experience the following along with it:
- Poor mental health
- Decreased confidence
- Relationship concerns
- Partner feeling frustrated
- Low self-esteem
- Distress
Treatment Of Erectile Dysfunction
Fortunately, there are several treatment options available for ED. The type of treatment recommended will depend on the underlying cause of the ED.
- Medications To Increase Blood Flow: For physical causes, medication such as phosphodiesterase PDE5 inhibitors (PDE5i) like Sildenafil, Tadalafil and Vardenafil may be prescribed, these drugs help to increase blood flow to the penis and improve erectile function.
- Erection Devices And Penile Implants: In some cases, vacuum erection devices or penile implants may be recommended. These are mechanical devices that can help achieve an erection.
- Therapy And Psychological Counselling: For psychological causes, therapy and counselling may be recommended to help with underlying concerns such as stress, anxiety, or depression.
- Lifestyle Changes: Quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise, and managing stress can also help improve ED.
It is important to consult with a medical professional to determine the best treatment option for you. With the right treatment, many men are able to improve their sexual function and regain their quality of life.
How Is Impotence Different From Infertility?
Impotence and infertility are two separate medical conditions that affect men. Impotence, also known as erectile dysfunction (ED), is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection during sexual intercourse. On the other hand, infertility refers to the inability to conceive a child. While impotence can contribute to infertility, it is not the same thing. Infertility can be caused by a variety of factors such as low sperm count, poor sperm motility, and hormonal imbalances. It’s important for men experiencing either impotence or infertility to seek medical help, as there are treatment options available for both conditions.
Symptoms of Infertility
The main sign of infertility is when you are not able to conceive a child. Though there may or may not be any other visible or obvious signs other than this, in most cases the signs and symbols other than the inability to conceive a child are:
- Difficulty ejaculating or low sexual desire includes difficulty reaching the climax and getting and maintaining an erection (ED).
- Having discomfort, or a lump near the testicles
- Respiratory infections that recur
- Being unable to smell
- abnormal breast development (gynecomastia)
- Hair loss on the face or body, or other chromosomal or hormonal anomalies
- A sperm count that is below average (a total sperm count of less than 39 million per ejaculate, or less than 15 million sperm per millilitre of semen)
Can Erectile Dysfunction Cause Infertility?
Now the real question for which you really came here. Can ED cause infertility? To give you a direct answer, i.e. Yes and No. Not always. Statistically, one in every six men who have erectile dysfunction is infertile. Though ED does not directly cause infertility, it can affect the chances of conceiving or giving birth by making it hard for men to ejaculate, erect, or maintain an erection.
Certain research suggests that erectile dysfunction and infertility may share some underlying causes, such as neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and diabetes.
That being said, ED and infertility are not directly connected but indirectly. Every man that has erectile dysfunction is not necessarily infertile. Whereas every infertile man has erectile dysfunction, ED is one of the symptoms of infertility and not the ultimate cause.
When Should You See A Doctor?
If you have been trying to conceive or have a baby for a significant period of time without any luck, you might think about seeing a doctor save yourself from further trouble. It is always advised to consult a doctor to confirm the condition, its cause and what you will need to do when it comes to treating it. The first treatment step is diagnosing infertility, followed by genetic testing and blood tests to measure your hormone levels to treat you specifically as per your symptoms.
Sexual health is as important as physical and mental health. In most cases, one consultation can go a long way. Personalized, discreet and judgement-free treatment at your fingertips – book an online consultation with one of Allo’s leading experts.
