One can test themselves for the indications of erectile dysfunction. There are various methods of self-testing the signs of erectile dysfunction. Such tests do not give accurate results, they just provide an initial indication.   

What is erectile dysfunction? 

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a sexual disorder in males, which makes it difficult for them to get or sustain erections. Erections happen when there is sufficient blood flowing through the blood vessels of the penile.    

Lack of blood flow happens when the blood vessels constrict and become narrow. They block the blood flow to the penile. A decrease in the supply of blood to the penile impairs the ability to get harder erections. As a result, the penile remains flaccid and soft despite attaining complete sexual arousal.      

The reason for the improper function of the blood vessels and lack of blood circulation through them can be attributed to psychological or physiological factors.   

What contributes to erectile dysfunction?   

This difficulty can stem from physical or psychological factors. Both these play an equal part in influencing the sexual response. The primary cause of erectile dysfunction is the lack of blood supply through the penile blood vessels.

Physiologically, any underlying health condition, trauma, injury, prostate enlargement (benign prostate hyperplasia), or surgery can give rise to such difficulties.

Psychological factors like Chronic stress, anxiety disorders, clinical depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can affect the sexual response by interfering with the sexual arousal. These psychogenic factors can impact your sex drive or libido by triggering chemical imbalances in the body.  

Self-tests for erectile dysfunction

The two methods to confirm that you are experiencing the symptoms of erectile dysfunction are as follows:

Nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT)

Nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) is a natural phenomenon that is very common among men. It is referred to as morning wood. It is characterized by erections that usually occur spontaneous upon waking up in the morning. Such erections may also happen during the sleep state.      

This phenomenon is more frequent among younger men. It may normally occur in men of all ages. Its occurrence is a strong indication that your erection function is working optimally, and you are having a healthy sexual response.

As males get older, how frequency they get morning wood may decrease. These changes may happen due to aging, which makes morning woods the natural process.

With age, their indulgence in sexual activities declines because of reasons such as physiological, psychological, emotional, and hormonal imbalances. As a result, the physiology of their erection function is affected.    

Sexual health inventory for men (SHIM)

SHIM is considered to be the most accurate method for self-diagnosing potential erectile dysfunction. The inventory consists of a questionnaire. It can obtain an almost accurate indication of whether an individual is experiencing erectile dysfunction or not.    

This questionnaire has to be taken in the doctor’s office. However, it can also be done at home.  

Erectile dysfunction treatments

Medications: ED medicines such as Sildisoft 100 are considered the best remedy for impotence issues. These medicines contain an active ingredient that boosts the flow of blood to the penile.  

They begin their action only in the presence of sexual arousal. These can be used in combination with other techniques, but these alone are sufficient.

Penile pumps: This is a cylindrical device that is a hollow tube. It is made up of plastic that fits around the penile. For using this device, you must apply some lubricant on your penile, insert the penile inside the tube, and start pumping the air out inside to create a vacuum.

Once the vacuum is created, the blood vessels in the penile might pull or draw more blood to the penile shaft, and in this way, the blood gets trapped inside the penile blood vessels under high pressure. This helps trigger harder erections.  

Constriction rings or ED rings: These are the rings or elastic bands that must be worn around the penile to promote stronger erections. These are composed of stretchable material that helps in trapping the blood inside the penile blood vessels. As a result, the erection is sustained. You can adjust the ring by increasing the pressure.

Penile implants: When other treatment methods do not yield the required results, your healthcare provider may recommend this treatment. This technique is a last resort.  

This is a surgical method, wherein invasions are made to the penile to surgically insert malleable implants inside the two sections of the penile. These implants can come in two different types – inflatable and semirigid.