How Long Does Temporary Erectile Dysfunction Last? – Introduction
Erectile dysfunction is one of the most common issues affecting men around the world. It is defined as failure to create or maintain a vaginal erection suitable for sexual activity. This disorder is very unhelpful for a man, but fortunately it’s almost always treatable. But how long temporary erectile dysfunction lasts will depend on the cause. In this article, we’ll explore the duration of intermittent erectile dysfunction, and what can play a role in determining its duration.
How Long Does temporary Erectile Dysfunction Last?
Duration of Temporary ED:
Temporary erectile dysfunction may last anywhere from a few days to several months. The temporary status is temporary if it lasts less than six months. After that, it is referred to as chronic erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction can be temporary because of a physical, mental or lifestyle reason. Physical reasons may be caused by underlying diseases like diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or hormonal disorders. Stress, anxiety, depression and relationships are psychological factors that lead to erectile dysfunction in the short-term. Smoking, drinking, and using medications can also contribute to episodic erectile dysfunction.
Factors Influencing the Duration of Temporary ED:
1. Psychological Factors:
Temporary ED can be profoundly affected by psychological issues, such as stress, anxiety and depression. Such conditions can impede a man’s ability to get and keep an erection by disrupting the functioning of the nervous system. It depends on the extent and time of these psychological problems whether or not ED persists. In some cases, ED goes away after the psychological problems are fixed, but in others it may persist for years.
2. Lifestyle Factors:
Long-term ED is also linked to lifestyle conditions, including smoking, drinking, and not exercising. These can impair blood supply to the penis, which can lead to ED. ED may last longer in such cases depending on the severity and duration of the lifestyle variables. For some, ED can be temporary and goes away when lifestyle factors are controlled, while for others it can last longer.
3. Medications:
A few medications, like antidepressants, blood pressure meds, and antihistamines, can inflict short-term ED as a side effect. These episodes of ED can last as long as possible depending on the type and strength of the medication and how the person reacts to the drug. Sometimes ED is an acute issue that goes away once the medication is withdrawn or redesigned; in other instances, it lasts for a longer period of time.
4. Medical Conditions:
ED can be caused by some medical conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. They also have the potential to impact the blood supply to the penis and produce ED. In these instances, ED can be prolonged depending on the severity and duration of illness. ED may be an episodic condition that resolves after medical intervention, but in others it may persist for years.
5. Age:
Age is another variable that can affect the duration of short-term ED. With age, men can change their sexual function, including ED. ED is not age-related, but can be a sign of ageing for older men due to the physiological changes at that age, such as a loss of blood flow to the penis. Elderly men can also experience ED for different lengths of time: some experience temporary ED, which goes away with treatment, and others develop permanent ED.
Treatment Options for Temporary ED:
Medication:
PDE5 inhibitors: In most men who experience temporary ED, taking PDE5 inhibitors over the counter is a pretty decent short-term treatment. These medications are PDE5 inhibitors, some of which are quite popular such as Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra. They increase blood supply to the penis, enabling an erection to be maintained when sexually stimulated. Yet none of these drugs would address the underlying issues that caused ED, and could do nothing more than alleviate its symptoms.
Therapy:
Psychosexual Treatment: Therapy can be used to address short-term sources of ED such as anxiety, stress or relationship problems. A trained therapist will identify the psychodynamic issues, communicate and develop coping strategies. In anxiety disorders, cognitive behaviour therapy can reduce the negation thinking associated with ED.
Couples Therapy: In some cases, having a partner is conducive to intimacy and conversation, which supports sexual performance anxiety.
Lifestyle Modifications:
Erectile Function- Healthy Diet & Exercise: More than anything, living a healthy lifestyle makes all the difference. Regular exercise can increase the circulation and reduce the stress, and a healthy diet maintains you through improved vascular function.
Stress Reduction Methods: The use of relaxation methods, such as meditation, yoga or even breathing exercises helps decrease anxiety and ultimately promote better sex response.
Restrict Alcohol and Stop Smoking: Drugs are incredibly harmful to erectile function. Losing your alcohol intake and smoking are steps toward better sex health and good health.
When to Seek Medical Help
Temporary ED can typically be resolved through lifestyle changes and medication, but in the following scenarios you would want to consult with a medical professional:
ED lasts longer than a few weeks;
It’s accompanied by other symptoms, including pains or sexual changes;
The fear is of the conditions that lie behind it, such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
Conclusion: How Long Does Temporary Erectile Dysfunction Last?
Most commonly, intermittent ED can last up to three months or more, depending on the pathological situation. If we believe it is less than six months long, it is intermittent. It may be caused, depending on age, by physical, psychological or lifestyle factors. These durations can therefore vary, with intermittent ED occurring longer in older men. Intermittent ED treatment depends on the individual and may include medication, psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications. It is also imperative to seek medical advice if intermittent ED persists for more than six months, as it can represent an ongoing disease that required treatment.
