Erectile Dysfunction: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

Q: Erectile Dysfunction: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

Phil： Hello, penile fracture is quite evident, resembling a large trumpet, as there will be significant blood clots accumulating, causing the external appearance to look deformed, much like a saxophone. <br>Based on your description, it really doesn't seem that way. <br>For hardn

Erectile dysfunction

Hello Doctor! First of all, thank you for your help! I am 34 years old.
I have had a habit of masturbation since I was 14, very frequently, sometimes 3 to 4 times a day, and other times once every two days.
Currently, the hardness and duration of my erections are very poor, about 60% at best.
When not erect, my penis feels soft, almost like cotton, with little to no firmness.
Additionally, when flaccid, the upper-middle section near the base feels like it is disconnected.
Two weeks ago, I stopped masturbating, and now my penis no longer feels like cotton.
However, the hardness during erections is still poor, and particularly at the base of the penis, it remains somewhat soft.
When flaccid, the upper-middle section near the base still feels like it is disconnected.
Doctor, could this actually be a penile fracture? What should I do? I feel very embarrassed and helpless, and I hope you can provide me with a detailed explanation! Thank you very much! Phil

phil, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/07/19

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Phil: Hello, penile fracture is quite evident, resembling a large trumpet, as there will be significant blood clots accumulating, causing the external appearance to look deformed, much like a saxophone.
Based on your description, it really doesn't seem that way.
For hardness, you can go to a larger hospital to undergo a penile rigidity test to determine if the hardness is sufficient.
It's difficult to assess hardness based solely on appearance, as it's not objective.
This is a response from Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai, Director of Urology at Taitung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan.

Reply Date: 2006/07/19

More Info

Hello Phil,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding erectile dysfunction (ED). It’s important to understand that ED can be a complex issue influenced by various factors, including psychological, physiological, and lifestyle components. Let’s break down your situation and explore potential causes, symptoms, and solutions.

Understanding Erectile Dysfunction
Causes:
1. Psychological Factors: Anxiety, depression, and stress can significantly impact sexual performance. Given your history of frequent masturbation, it’s possible that psychological factors related to performance anxiety or guilt may be contributing to your ED.

2. Physiological Factors: Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, hormonal imbalances, and vascular issues can affect blood flow to the penis, leading to difficulties in achieving or maintaining an erection.
3. Lifestyle Choices: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity can also contribute to ED.
4. Hormonal Issues: Low testosterone levels can lead to decreased libido and erectile difficulties.
5. Peyronie's Disease: The sensation of your penis feeling "broken" or having a curvature could indicate Peyronie's disease, which involves the development of fibrous scar tissue inside the penis, causing curved, painful erections.

Symptoms:
- Reduced hardness of erections (as you mentioned, about 60% hardness).

- Difficulty maintaining an erection.

- Changes in the appearance of the penis when flaccid (feeling soft or "cotton-like").

- Sensations of abnormality in the structure of the penis, especially near the base.

Solutions:
1. Consult a Healthcare Professional: It’s crucial to discuss your symptoms with a urologist or a healthcare provider specializing in sexual health. They can perform a thorough evaluation, including physical examinations and possibly blood tests to check hormone levels and overall health.

2. Psychological Counseling: If psychological factors are at play, therapy or counseling can help address anxiety or stress related to sexual performance.

3. Lifestyle Modifications: Adopting a healthier lifestyle can improve overall sexual health. This includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, quitting smoking, and moderating alcohol intake.

4. Medications: There are various medications available that can help improve erectile function by increasing blood flow to the penis. These include phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (e.g., Viagra, Cialis). However, these should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

5. Physical Therapy: If there is a concern about Peyronie's disease or any structural issues, a urologist may recommend specific treatments or therapies.

6. Avoiding Excessive Masturbation: While masturbation is a normal activity, excessive frequency can sometimes lead to desensitization or performance anxiety. Reducing the frequency, as you have started to do, may help improve your situation.

Conclusion:
It’s understandable to feel embarrassed or helpless regarding these symptoms, but it’s essential to remember that ED is a common issue and can often be treated effectively. The first step is to seek professional help to get a proper diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider who can guide you through this process and help you regain confidence in your sexual health. Your well-being is important, and there are solutions available.

Best wishes,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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