Erectile dysfunction – find all the information here
Define erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction, also called impotence is a common condition that affects most men at some point in their life. It is a type of sexual dysfunction in which a man suffers from a repeated inability to develop or maintain erection for to complete his satisfactory sexual activity regardless of the capability of ejaculation. Though erectile dysfunction may occur at any age, it’s more common in elderly men, especially those above 65 years of age. However, erectile dysfunction is not always a consequence of ageing.
Erectile dysfunction is known to cause emotional and relationship problems. Many men also suffer from low self-esteem because of the condition. Men often hesitate to discuss erectile dysfunction with their doctor because of the social taboos associated with the condition. The huge availability of erectile dysfunction drugs like Viagra, Cialis and Levitra however, has encouraged many men to seek treatment for the condition.
Symptoms of erectile dysfunction
The common symptom of erectile dysfunction is the inability to maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse for at least 25% of the time. An erection is when the penis becomes hard, stiff and raised so that sexual intercourse is possible. An occasional inability to maintain an erection happens to most men and is considered normal. But repeated erection problem are a recognised sign of erectile dysfunction and should be evaluated.
Erectile dysfunction may or may not affect a man’s ability to have an orgasm and release semen. Erectile dysfunction is also different from a lack of sexual desire which also interferes with a man’s ability to have sexual intercourse.
When you discuss erection problems, your doctor will ask questions about your health and will perform a physical exam. Some lab tests and mental health tests may also be done to diagnose your condition and to determine the cause of the condition.
Causes of erectile dysfunction
The Causes of erectile dysfunction may be psychological, physical or a combination of both.
The common physical causes of erectile dysfunction include:
High cholesterol
Hardening of the arteries, which can lead to high blood pressure, angina or poor circulation
Kidney disorders
Multiple sclerosis or other neurological diseases
Pelvic surgery
Smoking
Alcoholism and drug abuse
Side effects of prescribed drugs
Surgeries or injuries that affect the pelvic area or spinal cord
Because of their age, older men are more likely to suffer from the physical causes of erectile dysfunction.
If a man still has an erection when he wakes up in the morning erections and is able to achieve an erection by masturbating, then it is quite likely that the cause of the erectile dysfunction is psychological. Researchers have proved that the brain plays a key role in triggering a series of physical events that cause an erection. Factors that interfere with sexual feelings may lead to or worsen erectile dysfunction.
The common psychological causes of erectile dysfunction include:
Fatigue
Problems within your relationship
Poor communication or conflict with your partner
Worrying about poor sexual satisfaction
Stress and anxiety from work or home
Sexual boredom
Performance anxiety
Unresolved sexual orientation
Guilt (in the case of infidelity)
In younger men the cause of erectile dysfunction is more likely to be psychological. In such situations, counselling and sex education may help to treat the condition.
In some cases, erectile dysfunction may be the result of a combination of both physical and psychological causes. For instance, if a man is affected by a minor physical problem it may slow down his sexual response due to anxiety about maintaining an erection. The resulting anxiety can worsen erectile dysfunction.
It is better to discuss the condition with a doctor to determine the exact cause of erectile dysfunction. Your doctor may be able to give you treatment for the cause of erectile dysfunction or prescribe you oral erectile dysfunction treatment medicine such as Viagra, Cialis and Levitra to help you accomplish successful sexual activity with your partner.