Last update:
Erectile dysfunction does not happen overnight; It develops gradually, often starting with small subtle changes that many men ignore
Erectile dysfunction does not happen overnight, it develops gradually. (AI generated)
Sex can permeate our popular culture, but conversations in this regard are still associated with stigma and shame in Indian homes. As a result, most people face sexual health problems or try to find information about sex often resort to non -verified sources or follow the non -scientific advice of their friends. To address the widespread erroneous information about sex, News18.com this weekly sex column is executed, entitled 'Let's Talk Sex'. We hope to start conversations about sex through this column and address sexual health problems with scientific vision and nuances.
In this article, we will explain how men can recognize the early alert signals of erectile dysfunction (ed) and how to act accordingly.
Erectile dysfunction is often considered a problem related to age, something that happens “later in life”. But medical research shows that ED can start much earlier, sometimes even in men of 30 or 40 years. The important thing you should know is that Ed is rarely just a “bedroom problem.” In many cases, it can be an early alert sign of cardiovascular problems, diabetes or hormonal imbalances.
To understand erectile dysfunction, it is important to know how an erection normally works. Sexual excitement begins in the brain, which sends signals through the spinal cord and nerves to the penis. These signals trigger the release of nitric oxide (NO) in the blood vessels of the penis. Nitric oxide relaxes the smooth muscles of Cavernosa Corpus (spongy tissue inside the penis), allowing them to fill with blood. At the same time, the veins that generally drain the blood of the penis are compressed, catching the blood inside and creating a firm erection. In erectile dysfunction, this process is interrupted in one or more stages:
Vascular problems: If arteries are reduced due to conditions such as atherosclerosis, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, less blood reaches the penis, which makes weak or inconsistent erections.
Neurological problems: Diabetes, nerve lesions or neurological disorders can damage the signals that travel from the brain to the penis.
Hormonal problems: Low testosterone reduces sexual desire and weakens the erection mechanism.
Psychological factors: Stress, anxiety or depression increase sympathetic nervous activity, which releases adrenaline. The adrenaline tightens the blood vessels and prevents them from relaxing, interfere directly with the erections.
This explains why erectile dysfunction is often a combined problem of mind and body. In younger men, it is often related to stress anxiety or performance, while in older men it is more frequently caused by blood flow or nerve problems.
Common early signs of erectile dysfunction
Difficulty maintaining erections: It is normal for erections to fade occasionally, especially if you are tired or stressed. But if constantly struggles to maintain an erection until the end of sexual activity, it could be an early sign of ED.
Weakest erections than before: Some men notice that their erections are not as firm as they used to be. This may be due to a reduced blood flow, one of ED's first physical signs.
Reduced morning erections: The morning erections (often called “morning wood”) are a natural sign of healthy sexual function. A constant decrease in these spontaneous erections may indicate a vascular or hormonal problem.
More time to get excited: If it takes significantly more to achieve an erection, even with adequate stimulation, this could indicate the beginning of erectile difficulties.
Decrease in sexual desire (libido): While the low libido is not the same as Ed, the two often overlap. A fall in sexual desire can be connected to low levels of testosterone, which can also affect the quality of erection.
Inconsistent performance: One of the most complicated signs is inconsistency: sometimes erections are fine and others are weak or absent. This pattern often appears in the early stages and may be related to stress, anxiety or underlying vascular changes.
Causes of Ed Early
- Lifestyle factors: smoking, alcohol, obesity and lack of exercise increase the risk of.
- Performance anxiety: worrying about “failing” in bed can trigger erection problems.
- Stress and depression: High cortisol (stress hormone) interferes with testosterone and blood flow.
- Relationship problems: emotional disconnection is often reflected in physical intimacy.
- Cardiovascular problems: narrow blood vessels reduce blood flow, affecting erections before other symptoms appear.
- Diabetes: High blood sugar damages nerves and critical blood vessels for erections.
- Hormonal changes: low testosterone can reduce both desire and erectile force.
- Medications: Some antidepressants, antihypertensives or hormonal medications can contribute to that of.
ED prevention and management tips
Stop smoking: nicotine damages blood vessels and reduces the availability of nitric oxide, directly weakening the erections.
Limit alcohol and drugs: excessive use depresses the nervous system and reduces testosterone.
Exercise regularly: aerobic activity improves cardiovascular health, blood flow and hormonal balance.
Eat a balanced diet: foods rich in antioxidants (fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains) protect blood vessels and improve nitric oxide function.
Keep a healthy weight: obesity increases the risk of diabetes, hypertension and low testosterone, all linked to that of.
Sleep well: 7-8 hours of quality increases testosterone sleep and reduces cortisol (stress hormone).
Managing stress and anxiety: full attention, meditation or therapy reduces the sympathetic overmark (stress) that blocks excitement.
Communicate with your partner: open discussion reduces pressure, anxiety and stress related to performance.
Check the medications: some antidepressants, antihypertensives and hormonal medications can affect sexual function, ask your doctor about alternatives.
Regular health reverse: monitor blood sugar levels, cholesterol, blood pressure and hormones; ED is often the first sign of vascular disease.
Look for early professional aid: urologists, endocrinologists and sex therapists can provide medical, hormonal or psychological interventions before ED worsens.
When to look for medical advice
If you notice that persistent changes, such as erections constantly weaken, less frequent morning erections or the continuous difficulty in maintaining erections, it is important to consult a doctor. Addressing these root causes can not only improve sexual health but also prevent future health complications.
Erectile dysfunction does not happen overnight; It develops gradually, often starting with small and subtle changes that many men ignore. Recognizing these first signs is not just about improving sexual performance; It is also about protecting general health. If you notice a decrease in the quality of erection, frequency or desire, take it seriously. Early action, either through changes in lifestyle, stress management or medical consultation, can make a big difference. Remember, intimacy is a reflection of health. Paying attention to ED's early warning signs is one of the best investments you can do both in your sexual life and your long -term well -being.
Professor (DR) Saransh Jain is the winner of the Swaster Bharat Rattan Prize and is a certified and licensed sexologist of the American Board of Sexology. He is currently a senior consultant at Dr. Sk Jain …Read more
Professor (DR) Saransh Jain is the winner of the Swaster Bharat Rattan Prize and is a certified and licensed sexologist of the American Board of Sexology. He is currently a senior consultant at Dr. Sk Jain … Read more
September 14, 2025, 17:50 IST
