What Happens if Erectile Dysfunction Goes Untreated: Everything You Need to Know About the Risks
Do you consistently struggle to get or keep an erection? If so, you may have a condition called erectile dysfunction (ED). It’s important to learn about the risks of untreated erectile dysfunction, so you recognize the importance of getting prompt treatment.
A lot of men choose not to seek medical help when they suspect they have ED. They might feel embarrassed or like they’re less of a man because their “hardware” isn’t working properly. But failing to receive treatment for ED comes with some big risks. Erectile dysfunction is often just a symptom of a more serious health problem. If you don’t see your doctor for an ED diagnosis, your underlying medical condition could remain undetected.
What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
It’s not unusual to occasionally have a difficult time getting an erection. This could happen for a wide variety of reasons. For example, if you’re dealing with a lot of stress, coping with relationship drama, or fighting off an illness, it’s natural to have some erection trouble. But if you consistently can’t get hard enough to have quality sex, you likely have erectile dysfunction. ED is very common in middle-aged and older men. Research shows that more than half of European men over the age of 40 have the condition.
The risks of untreated erectile dysfunction can be quite serious. So, if you suspect this condition, it’s important to swallow your pride and schedule that appointment with your doctor. They can give you an official diagnosis, treatment recommendations for ED, and any underlying health conditions they may detect.
What Are Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction?
The most common symptoms of erectile dysfunction include:
- Reduced sexual desire
- Difficulty getting an erection
- Difficulty maintaining an erection
People with ED may be unable to have sex because they can’t stay hard enough for penetration. This can be extremely frustrating and embarrassing. Living with untreated ED can also lead to diminished self-esteem.
What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?
The male sexual arousal process is a complicated one. It involves the blood vessels, brain, nerves, hormones, muscles, and emotions. If any of these components has a problem, it could lead to ED. It can be challenging to nail down the precise cause of erectile dysfunction. In some cases, multiple underlying issues could be to blame. Here are some of the possible physical reasons you may not be able to get or keep an erection.
Cardiovascular Issues
Heart disease, clogged blood vessels, and other problems with the cardiovascular system can lead to ED. So, if you’re wondering what happens if erectile dysfunction goes untreated, it could mean that life-threatening issues like heart disease also go undetected and untreated.
Blood Pressure Issues
High blood pressure is one of the top causes of ED. It can also put your overall health at risk by taxing the organs and tissues too much. Fortunately, ED from high blood pressure is reversible with lifestyle changes and medications.
Scar Tissue in the Penis
Peyronie’s disease is a condition that causes scar tissue to develop inside the penis. This can lead to pain, loss of girth, shortening, and erectile dysfunction. Your doctor may recommend medication, traction therapy, or surgery if you have this condition. Sometimes, penile implants can help correct the problem and make it possible to obtain and maintain an erection once again.
Certain Health Conditions
Many medical conditions can lead to ED. They include multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, low testosterone, obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Your untreated erectile dysfunction could stem from one of these diseases. Therefore, it’s essential to schedule a diagnostic appointment with your doctor.
Certain Prescription Medications
Certain over-the-counter and prescription medications may cause ED. They include:
- Water pills and blood pressure medications
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- Finasteride (Proscar, Propecia)
- Simvastatin (Zocor)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Dutasteride (Avodart)
- Paliperidone (Invega)
- Isotretinoin (Claravis, Absorica, Zenatane)
- Citalopram (Celexa)
- Amlodipine (Katerzia, Norvasc)
This is just a short list of the top medications linked to erection problems. Many other medications not listed here can potentially contribute to ED or perhaps make it worse. Check with your doctor if you think any of your medications might be causing your erection issues.
What Are the Risks of Untreated Erectile Dysfunction?
What happens if erectile dysfunction is left untreated? As mentioned, ED could be just one symptom of a potentially serious underlying health condition. Therefore, if you fail to seek treatment for your ED symptoms, you might miss the opportunity to get a more serious issue diagnosed before it worsens.
Even if you’re convinced that you only have erectile dysfunction without any other underlying health problems, you should still take it seriously. ED itself can cause significant disruptions in your life. From depression to infertility, here are some of the common problems that can arise from untreated ED.
Undetected Cardiovascular Disease
Undetected cardiovascular disease is one of the biggest risks associated with leaving erectile dysfunction untreated. Heart disease is currently the top cause of death in the U.S. In addition to erection problems, here are some additional symptoms of cardiovascular disease:
- Irregular heartbeats (palpitations)
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or weakness
- Chest pain that may present as a burning, aching, heavy, or restricting sensation
- Sweating
- Rapid heartbeat
- nausea
If you notice any of these symptoms, whether with or without accompanying ED symptoms, see your healthcare provider immediately.
Depression and Other Mental Health Issues
Being unable to obtain or maintain an erection can be a huge letdown. You may feel broken, embarrassed, or undesirable. These feelings can lead to depression and other mental health issues like anxiety. You might also deal with your frustrations by becoming angry and hostile. Poor mental health is just one of the possible consequences of untreated ED.
Marital and Relationship Problems
Sex isn’t everything in life, but it’s an essential component of marriages and other intimate relationships. If you’re unable to perform in the bedroom, it can lead to an unsatisfactory sex life for both you and your partner. It could also cause relationship problems and lead to fights, hurt feelings, or break-ups.
Infertility
If you can’t maintain an erection long enough to have sex, you won’t be able to get your partner pregnant. This can be devastating for couples who want to start a family but can’t get past the ED hurdle. Untreated Erectile dysfunction resulting in infertility can cause feelings of anger, frustration, and hopelessness.
Erectile Dysfunction Medications
The most well-known erectile dysfunction treatments include prescription medications like Viagra and Cialis. Unfortunately, the “little blue pill” doesn’t have the best reputation. Though it’s touted as a miracle-like cure for erection issues, there are plenty of anecdotal horror stories to scare any man away.
Traditional ED pills work by stimulating sex hormones, increasing the heart rate, and forcing blood into the penis. But sometimes, they work a little too well. You’ve undoubtedly heard horror stories about painful post-Viagra erections lasting four hours or more. You might cringe at the thought of being forced to seek medical attention because your erection won’t go away.
But besides the possibility of becoming the main character of a mortifying Viagra-gone-wrong story, here are some additional problems associated with ED medications:
- Dangerous side effects
- Unenjoyable intercourse
- Ineffectiveness
That’s a lot to risk just to ensure you get an erection. It’s little wonder some men choose to deal with the risks of untreated erectile dysfunction rather than resorting to taking the “little blue pill.” Fortunately, there may be a safer, more pleasurable, and more reliable solution for ED.
Penile Implants: A Performance-Enhancing Alternative to Erectile Dysfunction Medications
Penile implants are devices used to help men with ED get an erection. They’re surgically placed inside the penis and can be either inflatable or semirigid. Inflatable implants make it easy to give yourself an erection whenever you want by using a penile pump placed inside the scrotum. You simply press a valve on the pump to deflate your penis when you’re finished.
A non-inflatable penile implant contains bendable silicone rods that a surgeon places inside your penis erection chambers. As desired, you can simply extend the rods to the erect position you desire. When you’re finished, you can adjust the penis downward to bend the rods into a non-erect position once again.
Related Reading: Learn the Pros and Cons of a Penile Implant>>
Penile implants are becoming very popular as more men discover their impressive benefits. They minimize some of the risks of untreated erectile dysfunction without the unwanted side effects associated with ED medications. The average penile implant lasts around 20 years. When your implant stops working, you can have your surgeon replace it with a new one.
Traditional ED medications can cause your penis to become painfully large without ensuring sexual desire. Penile implants, on the other hand, keep your desire, sensations, and ability to orgasm intact. You’ll also be able to customize your erection to maximize your performance and your pleasure.
Boost Your Confidence and Sexual Performance With Penile Implants
Why live with the embarrassment, shame, and risks caused by untreated ED when you could become a rockstar in bed with a penile implant? Titan Implant is a leading provider of minimally invasive, expertly placed penile prosthetics. Call us at 703-687-3601 to learn how you can improve your sex life and your self-confidence with a world-class Titan penile implant.
