Consult by instant messaging with a Erectile Dysfunction

What is erectile dysfunction?

Still a taboo subject, erectile dysfunction nonetheless affects a large proportion of the male population. While it most often appears after the age of 40, all age groups are affected, and younger men also experience erection problems. Solutions and treatments exist to ease these difficulties.

What are the symptoms of erectile dysfunction?

Erection problems, erectile difficulties and male impotence are all terms used to describe erectile dysfunction. Erection problems refers to an inability, which may be recurrent or persistent, to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse. Often a source of distress, shame and sometimes depression, this condition can affect the lives of many couples. The symptoms show up as erectile failures or a decline in the quality of erections. Several factors can contribute to erectile difficulties. There are physical, psychological and even environmental causes. For example, taking certain substances, or using drugs, alcohol, tobacco or medication, can reduce the quality of a man's erection. Certain medications prescribed for mental health or hormonal conditions, high blood pressure or cholesterol can cause dysfunctions such as impotence. Age and physical condition are also factors that are not neutral when it comes to erectile problems. Indeed, after the age of 50 or 60, erectile problems become more common and often have a physical origin, such as a chronic illness or a cardiovascular problem. It is also around the age of 50 or 60 that male hormone levels drop, which can contribute to impotence. Weight gain and diabetes can also contribute to erectile problems. Among the psychological causes that can trigger erectile problems, we can note stress, anxiety and worry. Mind and body are linked! Performance anxiety, which is the desire to over-perform with your sexual partner, is an anxiety about anticipating failure that leads to impotence. Erections can be quick, incomplete or short-lived. Sometimes the failure can be complete, meaning there is no erection at all. For further medical advice, consult a general practitioner online 24/7.

What are the causes of erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is a common condition that can have many causes and can affect men of all ages. Among the main causes of erectile dysfunction, we can mention:
 1. Cardiovascular causes. Vascular problems, linked to blood circulation, are one of the main causes of erectile problems. Many medical (or psychological) conditions can restrict blood flow to the penis and lead to erectile difficulties. Studies show that high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and diabetes are significant risk factors;
 2. Neurological problems. The triggering of an erection is transmitted in particular via the nervous system and the spinal cord. Conditions such as multiple sclerosis can sometimes lead to erectile dysfunction by disrupting the transmission of signals between the brain and the penis. Surgical procedures in the pelvic area also increase this risk;
 3. Hormonal disorders. Many hormonal disorders, and in particular a drop in testosterone, sometimes linked to andropause, can contribute to erectile problems. Generally speaking, ageing is often associated with a natural decline in testosterone levels, which can sometimes affect erectile function;
 4. Psychological causes. Anxiety, depression, stress and other mental health problems can have an impact on the quality of an erection;
 5. Lifestyle-related factors. An unbalanced diet, poor sleep, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle and excessive alcohol consumption are all associated with an increased risk of erectile dysfunction. Doctors recommend a healthy lifestyle to improve erectile function.
Finally, erectile dysfunction can also be multifactorial and result from a complex interaction of several of these factors. A medical diagnosis is therefore important in order to identify the cause and put in place the best individual treatment strategy. Consider an online consultation, a fast and discreet option.

What are the treatments for erectile problems?

Treatments for erectile problems are now highly diverse and include:
 1. Oral medications. Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors) are the most commonly prescribed medications. They include, for example, sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis) and vardenafil (Levitra). These medications work by inhibiting a specific enzyme, which increases blood flow to the penis;
 2. Intracavernosal injections. This treatment involves injecting a substance directly into the penis to cause an erection. Options include alprostadil (Vitaros) or EDEX;
 3. Using a vacuum pump. This device creates an erection by drawing blood into the penis, then placing a constriction ring at the base of the penis to maintain the erection.
 4. Cognitive behavioural therapies to address underlying psychological issues that may contribute to erectile problems. They are often used alongside other treatments;
 5. As a last resort, surgery. Several surgical procedures are possible, such as fitting a penile implant (penile prosthesis). This surgically implanted device artificially produces an erection.
A consultation is therefore important to find the best treatment. Combining treatments often produces better results. In all cases, a healthcare professional must assess the severity of the erectile problems and the risk factors and benefits of each treatment option.

Consult Feeli to treat your erectile dysfunction

Depending on the origin of erectile problems, several types of specialist may be consulted. It is often advisable to start by speaking to a general practitioner. Getting a consultation with a GP on Feeli is easy and quick. Need to have a consultation from your workplace, at home, in complete confidentiality, at the weekend or during the holidays? Teleconsultation offers a fully digital medical service. The flexibility and speed of connecting with a doctor are designed to make each patient's care pathway easier. Feeli only offers consultations without an appointment. As soon as you feel the need to discuss your erectile problems with a healthcare professional, log in to your Feeli account! The website is intuitive, easy to use and practical: consult a doctor from a simple computer or smartphone. Since security and confidentiality are essential, Feeli encrypts data, and patients remain the owners of their health data. Not all GPs are evenly distributed across France, and in some regions waiting times for an appointment are long. No more need to travel or wait for an appointment. Feeli offers consultations for all needs, including impotence problems. Care is provided as quickly as possible, and the doctor gives you a treatment as soon as the online consultation ends. Using Feeli means using technology to get advice from a healthcare professional, without having to wait and without needing an appointment.