Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile Dysfunction

Nearly 30 million men who are identified with male impotence suffer from various degrees erectile dysfunction (ED) ranging from mild to severe. The loss of erectile capacity can have a reflective effect on a man.

Erectile Dysfunction is very common. Although most often seen in men over the age of 40, ED affects men of all ages. There is a strong association between age and ED – as the dominance of ED increases with age.

Erectile Dysfunction Defined

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is well-defined as the incapability to achieve and/or maintain an erection satisfactory for sexual intercourse. While concomitant with older men, Erectile Dysfunction is a collective issue for men of all ages.

Symptoms Of Erectile Dysfunction

While symptoms vary, common symptoms include:

•Exertion achieving or maintaining an erection arising at least once in every four times, or continuing for more than one month.

•Achieving an erection takes normal

•Erection becomes weak or less rigid during intercourse.

•Maintaining an erection is now a conscious effort.

•Morning erections are less frequent.

•Ejaculating more rapidly or an incomplete erection.

Diagnosing Erectile Dysfunction

Diagnostic procedures for ED may include the following:

•Patient medical/sexual history evaluation

•Physical examination.

•Lab tests to help determine impotence including blood counts, urinalysis, lipid profile, and measurements of liver enzymes.

•Psychosocial examination.

Causes Of Erectile Dysfunction

Psychological-Psychological factors account for about 10% of erection issues. This causes a rush of adrenaline that ultimately reduces blood flow to the penis, often resulting in erectile struggle. Psychological ED may become self-perpetuating as the body becomes accustomed to releasing adrenaline before sexual encounters.

Hormonal- Considerably low testosterone and thyroid levels or a very high prolactin cause hormonal issues with erections.

Physical-About 90% of cases of ED are instigated by physical factors, or vascular (related to blood flow) and non-vascular diseases. The penis requires a healthy blood flow to become completely erect. This condition is referred to as “vascular insufficiency” associated with:

•Diabetes

•Hypertension

•High Blood Cholesterol

•Cardiac diseases

•Smoking

•Poor Overall Circulation

Other less common causes include stress, low sexual drive, guilt, anxiety, sexual boredom or depression.

-Hormonal deficiencies triggered by testicular disease, liver disease or thyroid problems.

-Neurological complications such as Multiple Sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease.

-Trauma to the pelvic area as experienced in certain types of surgery, radiation therapy or automobile accidents resulting in damaged pelvic nerves or arteries.

-Chronic illnesses such as chronic liver disease

-Peyronie’s disease, a peculiar condition of excessive fibrosis in the penile tissue

Treatment For Erectile Dysfunction

There are an assortment of treatments for ED. Medication is frequently the first treatment; Viagra and Cialis are two well-known ED drugs.

Other treatments for ED include:

•Hormone replacement therapy

•Penile implants

Medications For Erectile Dysfunction

Oral medications are an effective erectile dysfunction treatment for many men including:

•Viagra - medication taken orally for the treatment of ED. Viagra does not directly cause penile erection, but affects the response to sexual stimulation.

•Cialis - Cialis stays in the body longer than other medications. Most men who take this medication find that an erection occurs within 30 minutes and may last up to 36 hours.

•Levitra - In clinical studies, Levitra has been shown to work quickly and improve sexual function in men the first time they take the medication. It has been shown to work well in men of all ages, in men with diabetes, and in men who have had the surgical procedure called radical prostatectomy.

Risk Factors From Erectile Dysfunction

As you age, erections can take longer to develop and may not be as firm. Risk Factors include:

•Diabetes

•High blood pressure

•High cholesterol

•Smoking

•Heart disease.

•Use of antidepressants, antihistamines and other medications

•Mental disturbances such as stress, anxiety or depression.

•Drug and alcohol use.

Coping With Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction can source constant stress and strain on relationships. Men will avoid sexual situations due to their emotional pain, causing their partner to feel rejected or inadequate.

It is important to communicate and remain confident. A lack of communication is the primary barrier for seeking treatment, and can prolong the suffering.