Erectile dysfunction is defined as a man's inability to obtain or maintain an erection. This affects fertility because it makes intercourse difficult and, therefore, the entry of sperm into the woman's uterus.

Erectile dysfunction is often a symptom of other health problems that require treatment, so you must see a specialist for a diagnosis.

Knowing the causes of erectile dysfunction is essential when it comes to selecting a treatment that allows you to restore the normal functioning of the penis and achieve pregnancy with the least wear and tear and have a baby.

Medications are usually used, however, if these are not enough, In Vitro Fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm microinjection (IVF+ICSI) offers the highest success rates.

What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is defined as a man's inability to obtain or maintain an erection.

Although all men experience sporadic problems maintaining an erection, erectile dysfunction is only referred to when this occurs in 25 percent of attempts.

Erectile dysfunction affects around 152 million men in the world and can affect fertility because, without erection or ejaculation, intercourse is difficult, and therefore the entry of sperm into the woman's uterus.

When it is a consequence of diabetes mellitus, it also contributes to a decrease in the concentration of sperm in the ejaculate and affects its mobility and morphology.

Causes of erectile dysfunction

Some of the main causes of erectile dysfunction are:

• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Atherosclerosis
• Multiple sclerosis
• High cholesterol
• Parkinson disease
• Cardiovascular or neurological diseases
• Kidney or liver conditions
• Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy
• Prostate or bladder surgeries
• Prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate)
• Injuries to the penis, spine, prostate, bladder, or pelvis
• Hormonal imbalances
• Some blood pressure medications, as well as antihistamines, tranquilizers, antidepressants, and appetite suppressants
• Smoking
• Excessive consumption of alcohol or other drugs such as cocaine or marijuana
• Emotional problems such as stress, anxiety, or depression

Although it can affect men of all ages, erectile dysfunction is more common in men over 65 years of age.

This is usually a symptom of other health problems that require treatment, so it is highly recommended that you consult a specialist.

How are the causes of erectile dysfunction diagnosed?

The more information you can give your fertility specialist about your medical history, the better able he or she will be to identify the causes of erectile dysfunction.

Likewise, you will be asked to answer a questionnaire known as the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), which consists of five questions that will allow you to establish the level of erectile dysfunction.

In addition to a physical exam to look for evidence of other diseases, your doctor may perform a blood test to determine your level of testosterone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, thyroid hormones, glucose, or cholesterol.

Treatments to achieve pregnancy when suffering from erectile dysfunction

Knowing the causes of erectile dysfunction is essential when it comes to recommending a fertility treatment that allows you to restore the normal functioning of the penis and achieve pregnancy with the least wear and tear and subsequently have a baby at home.

If erectile dysfunction is caused by medications, your doctor will ask you to stop using them and help you find other options, while if there is an underlying medical condition, treatment is usually enough to reverse erectile dysfunction.

If the treatment of the causes of erectile dysfunction is insufficient, your doctor may prescribe medication.

The use of oral medications is very effective because they increase blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation.

The treatment of erectile dysfunction should always be accompanied by advice for a healthy lifestyle, which can help prevent the conditions that cause this condition.

If these methods are insufficient to achieve pregnancy, your options include:

1. Artificial Insemination in which the man's previously trained sperm are introduced into the woman's uterus just at the time of ovulation. This method is only recommended when the woman is under 35 years of age and there are no other conditions causing infertility.
2. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), allows the union of a good-quality egg and previously trained sperm in a laboratory dish. From the embryos resulting from IVF, the best one will be selected to be transferred to the uterus and thus increase the probability of having a baby at home.
3. In Vitro Fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF+ICSI), which consists of the injection of a single sperm directly into the cytoplasm of a mature egg to fertilize it. This technique offers the highest success rates because it prevents the sperm from having to travel to fertilize the egg. Likewise, it can help men with conditions that until recently would have prevented them from having children realize their dream of becoming parents.

Erectile dysfunction is an emotionally draining situation and requires immediate support from a professional. At Ingenes we are convinced that as stress decreases, reproductive potential increases, which is why we have an emotional support unit to accompany our patients from day one. And with our Initial Program, you will know the cause and the appropriate treatment so that you can have a baby at home.