Erectile dysfunction is a condition that affects millions of men around the globe. Thankfully, modern medicine is providing an increasing range of effective treatment options, like Kamagra, that can relegate the condition to little more than an inconvenient afterthought. There are instances, however, when the condition may warrant further consideration as a potential indicator of underlying issues that are outlined below.
The Penis as a Barometer: The Early Warning System
Very often, erectile difficulties can act as an early indicator of undiagnosed heart disease. The delicate penile arteries range from 0.2-2mm wide, compared to the much larger 3-4mm width of coronary arteries. The buildup of plaque, fats and cholesterol can block, narrow and otherwise damage the arteries. This often affects the smaller vessels first, which can make erectile issues an early predictor of more serious cardiovascular issues.
Canary in the Coal Mine
The delicate, little yellow songbird would be often carried into the yawning coal pit, where its distress or death would act as an early warning sign of the presence of dangerous, toxic gases. Erectile dysfunction can similarly act as a clarion call to the presence of undiagnosed cardiovascular health issues that individuals are not yet aware of.
The Heart Connection
In the past, erectile problems, or impotence, used to be regarded as a psychological impairment. These days, the condition is understood to be primarily physiological in nature, caused by physical factors that prevent sufficient blood from flowing to the penis. Effective treatments for the condition, like Kamagra, work to increase the amount of available blood flow to the penis, making it easier to obtain and sustain an erection.
Erectile Mechanics
An erection requires the smooth muscle cells surrounding the endothelium lining of blood vessels to relax, keeping them open and dilated. If those vessels are stiff or damaged by heart disease, the erection fails. While treatments like Kamagra temporarily alleviate these blood flow issues, the risk factors for heart disease such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and damage caused by smoking and drinking, pose the same detrimental risk for erectile function.
Uncontrolled Blood Sugar
The link between high blood sugar, hypertension and resultant vascular damage is clearly understood. High glycemic levels increase inflammatory and oxidative stress to the circulatory system. Sugary, sticky blood is more viscous and harder for the heart to pump through the body. It causes more “gunky” build-up of plaque that narrows and stiffens the arterial passageways, that, in turn, increases blood pressure even further.
Damage of Diabetes
Left untreated, the damage caused by diabetes to the renal system results in higher impurities in the blood. This further exacerbates arterial stress and damage, leading to a vicious cycle of increasing blood pressure. While separate conditions, diabetes and erectile difficulties, are so interrelated that over 50% of diabetics will experience erectile difficulties. Conversely, for many men, particularly those under 45, erectile problems are often the first symptomatic indicator of undiagnosed diabetes.
The Hormonal Clue: Thyroid Issues and Low Testosterone
Erectile problems can also be an indicator of thyroid-related hormonal imbalances. The thyroid is responsible for regulating metabolic, muscular and cardiovascular function, all of which are vital for achieving an erection.
Thyroidal Erectile Effect
An underactive thyroid negatively impacts blood flow and muscle function and interferes with nerve signals needed for sexual response. An overactive thyroid can increase a testosterone-binding chemical, limiting available testosterone, disrupting libido, diminishing sexual desire, and impairing erectile function.
The Surprising Link to Gum Disease
The link between gum disease and flaccidity dates back to observations made by ancient Greek physicians. They first determined that blood sugar is often accompanied by a foul, fruity-smelling breath. The term diabetes mellitus is derived from their description of the condition as “honey-sweet smell or taste of urine and breath”.
The Oral Component
The inflammation caused by high glucose levels damages the vessels throughout the body, including the gums, which can weaken, increasing the risk of infection. Many studies have shown that men with chronic gum disease were potentially 3 times as likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction as those without it.
The Stress Response
Erectile problems can also be linked to psychological factors like stress and anxiety. Chronic stress floods the system with cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, as part of its “fight or flight” mechanism. This has the effect of constricting blood vessels in order to redirect blood flow towards other functions that prioritize survival over reproduction. If not addressed, constant, unrelieved stress and anxiety can cause lasting damage to erectile function.
Pelvic Floor Health for Men
While treatments like Cenforce 100 have proven to provide fast-acting, if temporary, relief from erectile difficulties, they’re not, however, the only available option. Exercising the perineal muscles can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles that help sustain an erection. Often referred to as Kegel exercises, these can improve the musculoskeletal control degraded by factors like sedentary lifestyles, excessive cycling, or poor posture.
Neurological Red Flags: Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s
The body’s central nervous system is another vital component of erectile function. Erectile function also involves uninterrupted nerve signals between the brain and pelvic nerves through the spinal cord. Neural disorders like MS, that degrade nerve sheaths, or Parkinson’s, that impact dopamine can often manifest as sexual symptoms early on.
Don’t be Nervous About Nerve Damage
Serious neurological conditions are not that common as causal factors contributing to erectile dysfunction. If, however, the onset of erectile difficulties is accompanied by other neurological symptoms, such as tingling sensations or balance issues, immediate medical advice may well be warranted.
Reframing the Checkup: Why You Need a “Men’s Wellness” Exam
If erectile-related difficulties issues are starting to regularly impinge on either partner’s enjoyment of intimate encounters, it may be time to consult with a doctor. While Cenforce 100 can provide almost instant relief from performance issues, a full workup of tests may be in order. Requesting lipid panel, HbA1c, thyroid panel, and blood pressure tests can help ensure ongoing overall physical health and well-being while also maintaining optimal sexual performance.
