Each year, thousands of men are diagnosed with erectile dysfunction in the US. However, many more suffer from this condition silently. While some are too embarrassed to visit their doctor, others ignore the signs. However, erectile dysfunction is nothing to be embarrassed about. It is a common condition that can be easily treated if spotted early. Here are some of the early warning signs of this condition:

Trouble Getting an Erection

Struggling to get an erection is the first sign of erectile dysfunction. If you notice that you can no longer get an erection like you used to in your 20s or 30s, or that it is taking you much longer to get an erection, book a visit to your doctor. They will be able to tell you whether or not erectile dysfunction is to blame. The good news is that this condition has many treatment options, including lifestyle changes, Erectile Dysfunction medication, and surgery. And as long as they seek help, most men with ED do not have it for life; they only have it temporarily.

Struggling to Maintain an Erection

There is a common misconception that if you can get an erection, you do not have erectile dysfunction. However, this is not entirely true. Men who can get an erection but cannot maintain it are also likely to have this condition.

Loss of Feeling in the Penis

If you are under 40, another common sign of erectile dysfunction is a loss of sensation in the penis. However, if you are older than this, then loss of sensation in the penis isn't always a sign of erectile dysfunction. As men get older, it takes more stimulation to obtain an erection. This is because the sensitivity levels of the penis start decreasing.

Reduced Sexual Drive

While it's true that most of us start losing our sex drive as we get older, if you notice your sex drive has gone completely, there's a high possibility you have erectile dysfunction. In men, a reduced sex drive is often caused by biological or physical issues. For example, an imbalance in the hormone testosterone can lower your ability to get or maintain an erection.

You Have High Blood Pressure or Cholesterol

Both high blood pressure and cholesterol can damage your blood vessels, causing them to lose elasticity. This makes it harder for them to expand so that more blood can flow to the penis. This, in turn, can make it more challenging to get an erection.

Not Getting Early Morning Erections

Almost all men get early morning erections. This starts during puberty and often continues through adulthood. However, if you suddenly notice that you are no longer getting early morning erections, there's a chance you could have erectile dysfunction. The early morning erections happen because of high testosterone levels in your body. The level of testosterone peaks in the morning. This increase is enough to cause an erection without any stimulation. Having early morning erections frequently is a sign of good sexual health. If your morning erections stop, this is a warning sign that something is wrong. Erectile dysfunction is a more common condition than you'd think. Over 30,000 men suffer from this condition in the US alone. However, the good news is that this condition can be treated. As soon as you spot one of the warning signs listed above, book a trip to your doctor. They can help you find a treatment that works for you.