Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common male sexual health problem, characterized by the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse. This condition not only affects physical function but can also lead to depression, loss of self-esteem, and tension in intimate relationships. It may result from combined psychological, endocrine, neurological, and vascular factors.

ED is widespread worldwide, with higher prevalence in developed countries such as the United States, Germany, and France. In Southeast Asian countries including China, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand, middle-aged and elderly men are also considered high-risk groups. If left untreated, ED not only affects sexual quality of life but may also signal underlying cardiovascular or other serious diseases.

Detailed Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction

1. Recurrent Difficulty Achieving Erection

This is the most common symptom. Patients are unable to achieve an erection under sexual stimulation, or the erection is not firm enough for intercourse. The condition persists or recurs frequently.

2. Inability to Maintain Erection

Even if an erection is initially achieved, it cannot be sustained throughout sexual activity. Most patients experience rapid loss of erection during penetration or intercourse, reducing satisfaction.

3. Premature Ejaculation or Interrupted Intercourse

Some patients experience unstable erections, leading to very short intercourse duration. In some cases, ejaculation occurs before or immediately after penetration, resulting in a sense of failure.

4. Significant Decrease in Libido

Many patients experience reduced sexual desire during the course of ED, showing a lack of interest in sexual activity, often attributed to endocrine disorders or persistent psychological stress.

5. Absence of Morning Erections

Healthy men typically experience spontaneous erections in the morning or at night, while ED patients often have reduced frequency or complete absence of morning erections. This is an important indicator of erectile function.

6. Anxiety During Sexual Activity

Some patients develop anxiety responses during intercourse, such as nervousness, sweating, or rapid heartbeat. This "psychogenic impotence" is one of the common presentations among younger men.

7. Reduced Penile Blood Flow

Due to vascular sclerosis, high cholesterol, or other reasons, blood flow to the corpora cavernosa is insufficient, resulting in poor erection rigidity, often below the hardness required for intercourse.

8. Partner Dissatisfaction

Patients often face dissatisfaction, misunderstanding, or alienation from partners due to decreased sexual quality, increasing psychological burden and potentially creating a vicious cycle that worsens the condition.

9. Accompanied by Urinary Symptoms

Some ED patients also have prostatitis or bladder dysfunction, presenting as frequent urination, urgency, or difficulty urinating. These symptoms may interfere with normal sexual activity.

Conclusion

The symptoms of erectile dysfunction are diverse and require early recognition and intervention. Experts at United Life International Medical Center recommend that persistent erectile problems should prompt medical evaluation to identify causes and choose appropriate treatment. New therapies such as stem cell therapy have provided more possibilities, improving patients’ quality of life.