Most males often experience or complain about erectile dysfunction which significantly hinders their sexual desire and sex drive. At least one in five males may experience this problem. Erectile Dysfunction takes place due to a number of reasons that have been researched clinically. However, the question arises – What STDs cause erectile dysfunction? And what needs to be done in order to treat or prevent this problem?
Here, we are going to provide you with an overview of erectile dysfunction, how it is caused, and ways to deal with the problem that boosts your sex drive.
Common Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is a type of disorder or malfunction that occurs in the male genital organ. In simple words, men who suffer from erectile dysfunction experience problems with erection and are unable to copulate with their partner, thus, affecting their sex drive and sexual relationship between the partners.
Various clinical research shows that erectile dysfunction can be caused due to one or more reasons. A few such reasons include:
- Lack of proper diet, especially those rich in proteins
- Less engagement in physical activities
- Obesity
- Other health issues
- Habits involving smoking, drinking alcohol, and drug addiction
- A side effect caused by other consumable items, medicines, drugs, etc.
- Contraction of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
What Types of STDs Cause Erectile Dysfunction in Men?
Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) refers to a group of infections of viral or bacterial origin that can be contracted through sexual activity both in men and women. There is also Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI), which refers to sexually transmitted bacteria or viruses in both men and women. The terms STD and STI, however, can be used interchangeably.
A common example of STD is HIV/AIDS which stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, an infection, and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, a disease. HIV is an infectious virus that attacks the immune system in the human body. And, if HIV is not treated properly, then it could lead to AIDS, which is a severe disease and could be fatal, too.
However, there are various types of STDs/STIs that could cause conditions like erectile dysfunction in men. A few such examples include HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Viral Hepatitis (Type C), etc.
An estimated one in five people may contract STD or STI on any given day, including both men and women. A range of symptoms and side effects can occur in individuals with STD or STI. For men, this can sometimes present as erectile dysfunction.
Research has shown that males suffering from erectile dysfunction have higher rates of contracting STIs or STDs than people who do not have erectile dysfunction disorder.
Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea – STIs Causing Erectile Dysfunction
The two main STIs that tend to cause prostatitis (a form of inflammation that affects the male’s prostate gland) and erectile dysfunction are Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea. Both of these STIs are caused by bacteria.
Therefore, it makes sense that these STIs are more likely to cause prostatitis because bacteria typically move around the body more easily allowing easier growth. Prostatitis can also cause other urinary and sexual symptoms, including pain while urinating or ejaculating.
(a) Chlamydia Infection
Chlamydia is an infection caused by a bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis. Like other STDs, it can typically spread through sexual contact.
The common symptoms of chlamydia bacterial infection include:
- Pain or tenderness that affects the testicles
- A burning sensation while urinating
- Discharge from the penis and/or rectum
Because chlamydia can spread to the prostate gland, it also has the potential to cause prostatic inflammation that may cause or contribute to erectile dysfunction.
(b) Gonorrhoea Infection
Gonorrhoea is another bacterial infection that can spread through sexual contact. It is one of several bacterial STDs that can spread to the male prostate gland and cause the symptoms of erectile dysfunction.
The common symptoms of gonorrhea bacterial infection include:
- White, yellow, or green discharge from the penis
- Pain, discomfort, and a burning sensation when urinating
- Swollen and/or painful testicles
In the following section, we’re going to look at how these STDs/STIs causing erectile dysfunction can be treated and enhance one’s sexual life.
How to Treat or Prevent Erectile Dysfunction and Enhance Libido
Contracting STDs/STIs can be a stressful and frustrating experience, especially since these diseases tend to develop erectile dysfunction in males. Some STDs can have a negative impact on health if they’re left untreated. Some can even contribute to infertility, in either one or both partners. Also, if the treatment is prolonged or neglected, the STD could be potentially transmitted from the person to other people.
Fortunately, there are solutions that could bring some hope of revival. Most STDs/STIs can now be treated with medication and by putting some effort into everyday habits.
First and foremost, it is important to seek help from a professional doctor/physician when experiencing erectile dysfunction, or if there’s a suspected STD/STI contraction. Search for an erectile dysfunction doctor near your location to confirm the problem.
The qualified health practitioner can perform a thorough examination and run additional required tests (such as of the blood, urine, etc.) provide treatment, and prescribe medication either for short-term or long-term, where necessary.
Also, if required, the doctor/physician may call for regular check-ups, and depending on the severity of the condition, may increase or reduce the prescribed medication (dosage).
Other Ways to Improve Erection Problems
There are a few additional things that could be done in order to help improve erection problems, increase the level of testosterone hormone, and enhance one’s sex drive.
- Eat fruits and well-cooked foods that are rich in protein.
- Engage in physical activities including physical exercises which also help prevent many health problems and diseases.
- Keep body weight in control
- Quit bad or unhealthy habits e.g., smoking, alcohol, drugs, etc.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Well, these are a few useful things that can help combat the problems of erectile dysfunction and enhance the sexual life of males.
Wrapping Up
Erectile dysfunction problems caused by contracting STDs/STIs should be checked immediately to avoid further complications in the body and overall health.
Most STDs/STIs can have serious effects on one’s life and lifestyle and without proper treatment and medication, and a change in habits, such infections and diseases can have greater control over the body and organs for the worse.