What is Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to get or maintain an erection that is firm enough for a man to have intercourse. With erectile dysfunction you may be unable to obtain an erection at all, or you may lose the erection during intercourse before you are ready. If the condition persists, the medical term is erectile dysfunction.
If you have difficulty having or keeping an erection more than 25% of the time, it is considered a problem.
What is Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to get or maintain an erection that is firm enough for a man to have intercourse. With erectile dysfunction you may be unable to obtain an erection at all, or you may lose the erection during intercourse before you are ready. If the condition persists, the medical term is erectile dysfunction.
If you have difficulty having or keeping an erection more than 25% of the time, it is considered a problem.
Who gets it?
Exact figures on the incidence of erectile dysfunction are not available due to the percieved embarassing nature of the disorder, but studies conducted internationally demonstrate rates such as 52% of men aged 40-70 years reporting some degree of erectile difficulty. Complete ED, defined erectile dysfunction as:
- The total inability to obtain or maintain an erection during sexual stimulation;
- The absence of nocturnal erections;
occured in approximately 10% of the respondents. Lesser degrees of mild and moderate ED occurred in 17% and 25% of responders, respectively. Impotence is common in the elderly and other select groups of patients, such as those suffering:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
Approximately 100 million men are estimated to suffer from erectile dysfunction worldwide and approximately 1 million Australian men are affected. Numerous studies have identified age as the strongest contributing factor to the development of impotence so the incidence is expected to increase as the Australian population ages.
Predisposing Factors
An erection requires an interaction between your brain, nerves, hormones, and blood vessels. Anything that interferes with the normal process can potentially become a more serious problem. Common causes include:
- Diseases and conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart or thyroid conditions, poor circulation, low testosterone, depression, spinal cord injury, nerve damage (for example, from prostate surgery), or neurologic disorders (like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease) Note that vigorous exercise is thought to be protective.
- Certain medications such as blood pressure medication (especially beta-blockers), heart medication (such as digoxin), some peptic ulcer medications, sleeping pills, and antidepressants
- Nicotine, alcohol, or cocaine
- Stress, fear, anxiety, or anger
- Unrealistic sexual expectations. These can make sex an obligation rather than an enjoyment
- Poor communication with your partner
- A cycle of doubt, failure, or negative communication that reinforces the erection problems and doesn’t seem to let up.
Probable Outcomes
In general, the prognosis for men with erectile dysfunction, is excellent. Although most cases of impotence have medical causes that cannot be cured, there are many treatment options that will restore sexual function. In addition, there are several permanently curable forms of the disorder, including erectile dysfunction caused by psychological problems, hormonal disorders and traumatic injury to the penile arteries.
How is it diagnosed?
Occasionally with erectile dysfunction a doctor may order additional tests, such as a nocturnal penile tumescence study. This is a way to assess how often erections are attained while asleep. A Doppler ultrasound of the blood vessels in the penis is another test that occasionally will show a cause for poor erections. Hormone levels in the blood may also give clues to the doctor of the underlying aetiology.
Although the doctor may not be able to give a specific reason why the erectile dysfunction has developed, many of the treatments work well no matter what caused the problem, so extensive testing may not be necessary.
How is it treated?
Successful treatment of erectyle dysfunction has been demonstrated to improve sexual intimacy and satisfaction, improve sexual aspects of quality of life, improve overall quality of life, and relieve symptoms of depression.
For many men, lifestyle changes can help:
- Cut down on smoking, alcohol, and illegal drugs.
- Get plenty of rest and take time to relax.
- Exercise and eat a healthy diet to maintain good circulation.
- Use safe sex practices, which reduces fear of HIV and STIs.
- Talk openly to your partner about sex and your relationship. If you are unable to do this, counseling can help.
There are many effective treatments for erectile dysfunction. The most popular option is a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, which include sildenafil (commonly known as viagra and the first of these drugs to be introduced), vardenafil and tadalafil. These drugs are taken in pill form, zero to 60 minutes before sexual activity. They work in approximately 70 percent of men.
For more serious underlying causes, such as Diabete’s or Arteriosclerosis, a medical practioner will advise on a course of action. Other more out-dated treatments for ED include vacuum devices, penile implants and penile injections.
The images to the right are two of the options open to men suffering from ED.
Drugs used in the treatment of this disease:
- Alprostadil
(Caverject Impulse) - Tadalafil
(Cialis) - Vardenafil
(Levitra) - Leuprorelin acetate
(Lucrin) - Viagra Australia | Sildenafil citrate
(Viagra)
Information provided by www.virtualmenshelath.com