What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection. Also known as impotence, this inability to stay erect causes difficulties with penetrative intercourse or masturbation.

Erectile dysfunction refers to an inability to become erect long enough to perform penetration. Therefore, a person is often incapable of reaching orgasm. There are various other sexual issues including premature ejaculation, prolonged ejaculation or retrograde in which ejaculation will flow backwards into the bladder, rather than forwards. However, these problems require different treatment methods to erectile dysfunction and should not be confused.

Erectile dysfunction is very common and affects 1 million Australian men. 1 in every 5 men over the age of 40 experience erectile issues and 1 in every 10 men are unable to acquire an erection at all.

Erectile dysfunction symptoms

There are a range of symptoms associated with erectile dysfunction. The most common symptoms include decreased sexual desire, reduced frequency of spontaneous erections, trouble becoming erect and difficulties maintaining an erection.

What are the causes?

There are many causes of erectile dysfunction. These can be broken up in two primary causes including physical and psychological.

Physical causes:

• Diabetes
• Surgery trauma that has caused nerve or vascular damage
• High blood pressure and cholesterol
• Metabolic syndrome
• Prescription medications
• Diseases including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s and heart disease
• Hormonal issues and deficiencies
• Excessive use of tobacco, alcohol and illicit substances
• Unhealthy lifestyle, lack of sleep and exercise

Aging can also be a contributing factor as muscle tone can decrease in the penis with age and it can take longer for men to become fully aroused.

Psychological causes:

• Depression
• Generalised and performance anxiety
• Stress due to lifestyle or individual circumstances
• Relationship problems
• Sexuality uncertainty
• Conception difficulties
• Attitudes and upbringing
• Other mental heath conditions

Treatment options: Flirt products to assist with erectile dysfunction

For a lot of men, treatment can be pushed aside due to stigma and feelings of hopelessness and embarrassment towards erectile dysfunction. Here at Flirt Adult Store we understand this discomfort and we openly strive to help those within our community feel happy and healthy again.

Our range of in store options to help with erectile dysfunction include:

Herbal Medications

Herbal medications act as an easily accessible alternative to prescription medications including Viagra. There are a range of medications in store that are to be taken prior to intercourse of masturbation. The tablets assist with increased energy, libido and sexual performance by acting as a vasodilator and improving blood circulation.

An additional benefit of herbal medications is that they may assist in reducing anxiety and stress that could be a potential cause of erectile dysfunction. 

Penis Pumps

Penis pumps consist of a tube that fits over the penis. The apparatus is either battery operated or hand powered and acts as a vacuum to remove air from the tube and create an erection. The change in air pressure expands the blood vessels allowing for an increased blood flow in the penis and acts as a preparation mechanism for those who suffer from erectile dysfunction.

A penis pump can be used in conjunction with a seal and lubricant for extra comfort, or a cock ring that fits around the base of the penis for a firmer erection.

Penis pumps can also be used regularly and without sexual intentions as an erection training mechanism to increase stamina, length, and performance.

 

Cock Rings

Cock rings are an effective means of maintaining an erection. They are stretchy rings made of silicone or rubber that are placed around the base of the penis or behind the balls. This mechanism restricts blood flow out of the penis, keeping you firmer for longer.

Cock rings also assist with increasing stamina and stronger orgasms, as the added pressure around the penis base helps to build up the orgasm for a prolonged time. There are many different shapes and sizes of rings and there are also vibrating rings for a partner’s clitoral stimulation. 

 

Masturbators

Masturbators can be an effective form of retraining both the brain and penis.

Some men are used to masturbating and gripping themselves in a way that differs from the sensation of penetration or intercourse. This can result in a non-satisfying sexual experience, one that can physically and mentally decrease an individual’s libido and firmness.

In this circumstance, it may be useful to use the aid of a masturbator and lubricant to retrain the brain into feeling sensation, gaining an erection and potentially ejaculating through other methods, without the need for an excessive grip.

 

Creams and Sprays

There are a range of vasodilator creams and sprays for erectile dysfunction instore. These are to be applied prior to intercourse or masturbation and assists in dilating the blood vessels for a stronger erection.

 

Other Methods

If your issues are associated with psychological stress, we suggest talking to your local general practitioner or mental health professional. There are also a range of hotlines and websites for those who prefer discretion. 

Cognitive behavioural therapy, meditation and mechanisms to retrain the mind and body are also desirable in regards to relationship issues and performance anxiety.

The stigma of erectile dysfunction

It is important that we speak openly regarding sexual health issues in order to reduce stigma. Erectile dysfunction is extremely prevalent and not something that a man should feel uncomfortable or embarrassed about. Talking to a partner, friend, medical professional or your local Flirt Adult Store staff member can be mentally beneficial and also eliminate the chance of any undiagnosed and underlying medical issues.

Erectile dysfunction can also cause relationship difficulties as partners can experience feelings of rejection, unattractiveness and guilt. This can affect the intimacy dynamic between a couple, so communication, working through the issue together and trying different treatment options can be vital for all parties involved.

Additional Information

For more information on erectile dysfunction, please feel free to contact one of our 7 stores.

It may also be beneficial to consult your local general practitioner incase of any undiagnosed underlying issues.

Other helpful contacts include:

Andrology Australia- www.andrologyaustralia.org

Men’s Health Space- www.menshealthspace.com.

Relationships Australia- www.relationships.com.au