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What is Erectile Dysfunction?
No man likes to discuss the issue of erectile dysfunction. Discussing it with others can feel awkward, embarrassing, and downright traumatizing. However, the truth is that ED can occur due to several physical problems.
And can STDs cause erectile dysfunction? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Read through the post as we explain the link between sexually transmitted diseases and erectile dysfunction and everything you should do to protect yourself and your partner.
Understanding Erectile Dysfunction and why STDs can cause it.
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection. Most of the time, the causes can be physiological or psychological, or a combination of the two. Having said that, if STD is the main cause of ED, the problem is purely anatomical because some sexual infections can cause problems to the prostate gland, which is the male sexual supporting organ.
When prostate glands are infected, it can lead to low blood circulation to the genitals. A good flow of blood is essential for achieving and maintaining strong erections.
If left untreated, STIs can lead to the development of male accessories gland infections, also known as the MAGIS. These are inflammation-related infections on the male reproductive systems, and they include:
· Urethritis.
· Prostatitis.
· Orchitis.
· Epididymis.
STDs and Prostate.
Some sexually transmitted infections can lead to prostate gland infections. These STDs include:
· Gonorrhea. This is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The disease is treated by antibiotics, and if not treated for long, it can block the epididymis and cause ED.
· HIV. This is the virus that causes AIDs. HIV is passed through blood, vaginal fluids, and semen. The virus affects the body’s immune system, meaning that those having it can experience ED due to prostatitis.
· Chlamydia. Chlamydia is the most common bacteria-related sexual infection reported in the US. This infection causes swelling in the prostate glands, which hinders blood flow to the genitals.
· Hepatitis C., also known as viral hepatitis, this infection is highly linked to prostate cancer. And almost half of the individuals on prostate cancer medications or treatments experience erectile dysfunction.
Chlamydia as the leading STI causing erectile dysfunction.
Among the common complications linked to chlamydia is erectile dysfunction. This can be attributed to the fact that it highly affects the prostate glands causing prostate cancer and prostatitis.
As mentioned above, it is extremely common for those with the above complications to experience ED in their life. Additionally, severe inflammation can reduce the male hormones (testosterone), which is key for getting an erection.
Symptoms of chlamydia infection include;
ü Discharge from the penis.
ü Rectal pain, bleeding, or discharge.
ü Burning sensation during urination.
ü Swelling or pain in one or both of the testicles.
While chlamydia can exist with showing symptoms for a long in the body, it can still damage the reproductive system and cause ED in men.
Treatment for chlamydia and prevention of ED.
A diagnosis of chlamydia may involve a swab of the urethra and urine tests, and if the results are positive, the person should start treatment straight away. Remember it is important to disclose the results to ex-partners and everyone you thought might be at risk of contracting or spreading the infection.
Informing current and former partners of the test results will allow them to get tested, and if found with the infection, they begin treatment.
The medical provider will prescribe antibiotics for chlamydia treatment, and it is vital that you finish the dosage. Failure to finish the whole treatment course may leave some bacteria behind and cause reinfection.
A full dose of antibiotics can cure chlamydia and prostatitis, hence helping treat erectile dysfunction.
Conclusion.
Erectile dysfunction is a prevalent sexual complication in men. Understandable, victims of ED always want to know the underlying factors at play to allow them to know how to cure erectile dysfunction.
While ED has a lot of causes ranging from physiological to psychological factors, some STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, or HIV can also cause it. Seek STD tests to know whether your sexual problem might be related to STIs, and start treatment immediately.