Are you having difficulty attaining an erection, or experiencing symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED)? Then it may be time to speak with your healthcare provider.
No matter your gender, ED should not go untreated. It can interfere with both your ability to enjoy intimate activities and your quality of life overall by checking out gespecialiseerdeapotheek.com.
1. Get Regular Checkups
Regular checkups with your doctor or sexual health nurse are an excellent way to stay on top of your sexual health. This includes testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV.
Testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is usually a quick, painless process. Your healthcare professional will examine both your vagina and vulva for any signs of infection and may insert a speculum into the vagina to take some cells from the cervix (neck of the womb).
After being instructed to pass urine in a cup, you can tell the healthcare professional if you experience any discomfort during the test and if there are any lumps on your vagina or vulva.
At your checkup, your doctor will inquire about any sexual partners and symptoms you’re experiencing. These details help them get to know you better and guarantee that you receive the appropriate care for you.
At your sexual health check-up, it’s wise to also include a Pap test to detect changes in your cervix that could indicate cancer. This test can be administered simultaneously with an STI test, so having both together is beneficial.
Additionally, you should inquire your doctor about other sexual health tests available to you. These may include a new cervical screening test for women that checks for the common human papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to abnormal cervical cell changes. Depending on your age group, this should be conducted at least once annually or twice every two years.
2. Talk to Your Health Care Provider
If you are having issues with your sexual health, it is essential to discuss them with your doctor. They can help prevent STIs and ensure you have a healthy sex life. They may also offer solutions if there are issues related to self-image, mental health, or substance use.
Your doctor can begin by reviewing your medical and sexual history. This information may reveal diseases or conditions that could lead to erectile dysfunction (ED). They may also inquire about medications, injuries, and lifestyle choices.
You should also give them a physical exam, which can help them diagnose any medical conditions contributing to your ED. They’ll examine your penis to check for lack of sensitivity and may listen to your heart to ensure there are no abnormalities affecting blood flow to the penis.
A physical exam can also help your doctor detect hormone deficiencies or other medical issues that might be causing ED. They’ll inspect for extra hair or breast enlargement on certain parts of your body and check your pulse in wrists and ankles to rule out underlying circulation problems.
Your doctor doesn’t want to make you uncomfortable, but they do need all the information about your health in order to provide the best care possible. They need your full medical history and what medications you are taking so they can prescribe the appropriate medicine or refer you to a specialist if needed.
You might need to discuss your sexual habits, including the positions you hold during sex. This is especially pertinent if either of you has HIV or a partner with the disease; different positions could increase or reduce your vulnerability for contracting the virus.
3. Exercise Regularly
Exercise regularly not only improves your sexual health and self-worth, but it can also reduce stress and depression that could otherwise negatively affect your libido.
Cardiovascular exercises like walking, running, swimming and cycling are an excellent way to increase blood flow to sex organs in both men and women. Doing this helps ensure these organs receive enough oxygen which in turn leads to improved orgasms and sexual function.
Exercising regularly not only leaves you physically fit and strong, but it can also boost your confidence when engaging in sexual intercourse with a partner. This confidence will translate to increased sexual intersession between you and your significant other.
Furthermore, having a healthier body image can significantly enhance your sex drive and give you motivation to get into the bedroom with your significant other.
Exercising can also help you maintain your ideal weight. It is essential to stay within a healthy range, as too much fat can have detrimental effects on the body.
Weight can have an important effect on your sexual performance, as it increases testosterone levels and stimulates interest in having sex. But if you are overweight or obese, consulting a doctor before beginning any new exercise program is recommended.
Many factors can cause ED, but most cases are due to poor circulation of blood to the penis. This could be caused by hardened arteries, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes or other medical issues.
If you experience erectile dysfunction (ED), it is critical to see your healthcare provider immediately. Doing so can address the underlying cause of ED and keep things from getting worse.
4. Stay Away From Tobacco
Smoking not only causes various health issues, but it can also have an effect on one’s sexual function and fertility. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), smoking decreases sperm count in men and affects fertility both males and females alike. Furthermore, it raises the risk of erectile dysfunction and causes vaginal dryness among women.
Smokers often develop nicotine addiction, leading to intense cravings for cigarettes after quitting. It is essential to recognize these urges and suppress them before the cravings become overwhelming.
Another way to curb a tobacco craving is by finding distractions. Take a walk, do some housework or read a book – these activities not only benefit your physical health but can help you push through any craving for tobacco products.
Remember, it can take time to kick a nicotine craving. You may experience some symptoms while quitting, but these will fade as your body adjusts to life without tobacco in your system.
If you’re feeling the urge to snack, try to resist it by giving your mouth something to chew on such as sugarless gum or hard candy. Other healthy alternatives include raw carrots, nuts or sunflower seeds for a quick fix.
According to OWH, nicotine in cigarettes can shrink blood vessels and restrict circulation of oxygen-rich blood, leading to decreased sensations of arousal.
Additionally, smoking can lower a woman’s estrogen levels, potentially impacting her libido and ability to experience orgasm. As such, women may experience less sex drive as well as menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings and fatigue.
5. Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol is a depressant, and heavy usage may interfere with your sexual functioning. Specifically, alcohol decreases blood flow to the penis, making it harder for you to achieve a firm, long-lasting erection.
However, this effect is only temporary and can be corrected over time. Indeed, some men report experiencing an improvement in their sex drive after abstaining from alcohol for a period of time.
If you feel that alcohol may have had an impact on you or someone close to you, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. Call 1300 85 85 84 today to speak with someone who can answer questions and offer support.
To protect yourself from the negative consequences of alcohol, the best strategy is to abstain completely. If you must have an occasional drink, limit yourself to no more than a few drinks at a time.
Before engaging in sexual activity with someone while under the influence, it’s essential to get their consent. Without consent, it could be illegal to perform certain acts on someone.
Alcohol abuse can have detrimental effects on both men and women alike, reducing their libido or sexual drive. Furthermore, excessive drinking increases the chance of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Even small amounts of alcohol can pose challenges for women trying to conceive, as it decreases sperm count, shape, and motility – all vital elements in pregnancy.
If you are experiencing sexual issues due to alcohol addiction, it’s essential that you seek help and find a treatment program. Programs like Monument can assist you in overcoming your addiction and learning how to lead an sober, healthy lifestyle.