Erectile dysfunction, commonly known as impotence, is a condition characterized by an inability to achieve or keep the erection of the penis for sex. It is most often associated with the aging process, but problems with erection can also affect younger men. Occasional difficulties with erection are normal and happen to most men from time to time. There is no need to be concerned if having one or two episodes of inability to achieve or keep the erection of the penis for sex. Still, if erectile dysfunction persists for a longer period, it is recommendable to seek medical advice.
Impotence is either temporary or ongoing. A large number of factors can cause both types of impotence. Male erection is a complex process involving the brain, emotions, nerves, blood vessels, hormones, and muscles, and impotence can be caused by dysfunction or disorder of any necessary factors to achieve and keep the erection of the penis for sex. Both types of impotence can be further categorized according to their causes which are either physical or psychological. In most men, impotence occurs due to physical factors, usually an underlying medical condition.
A large number of diseases and disorders can be responsible for impotence, including:
Treatment of impotence that is related to an underlying condition requires treatment of that particular condition, but whether it will restore the sexual function or not depends on the underlying condition and its severity. Other physical factors that can be responsible for both temporary and ongoing impotence include obesity, surgery or injury to the pelvic area/spinal cord, tobacco use, and alcohol/drug abuse, as well as prostate cancer/prostate enlargement treatments. Certain medications may also cause impotence.
Psychological factors often cause temporary impotence. The brain and emotions play an important role in erection, stress, depression, and other psychological/mental disorders, and relationship problems can seriously interfere with a man’s sexual life. Temporary impotence can also be caused by prolonged bicycling, which can affect the normal blood flow to the penis and compress the nerves in the penis.
Ongoing erectile dysfunction is more common in older men. Contrary to popular belief, impotence in older adults is not related to the aging process but to increased use of medications and increased risk of medical conditions that can affect sexual function.
There is plenty of information on the internet, magazines, TV talk shows, and other locations that deal with erectile dysfunction. While many of these sources provide a wide range of information, it is difficult to find a condensed list of frequently asked questions and answers. Here we hope to answer some of the more common questions about the prevalent disorder.
Erectile dysfunction is when a male has difficulty consistently getting and/or keeping an erection sufficient to complete sexual intercourse. Many men experience occasional or temporary erection problems, but that does not mean they have erectile dysfunction. For a diagnosis of erectile dysfunction, this problem must occur regularly. It may not need to occur every time but does continually repeat over time.
It has been reported that more than 152 million men worldwide, with more than 50 million beings in the United States, have some erectile dysfunction. It is also reported that less than 10% of these men actually seek treatment.
A visit to a doctor is the only way to diagnose ED truly. Your doctor will take a complete history and conduct a complete physical exam to ensure that you are not suffering from some other disease or problems that could affect your erection ability.
Normal changes occur in most men as they age, including taking longer to get an erection, erections which are not as hard as they once were, or longer to reach sexual climax. These should not be confused with ED, which is not part of the aging process. If you are not sure, you should speak to your doctor about what you are experiencing.
While it is difficult to say that ED can be completely cured, it is a problem that can be effectively treated. There are many alternative processes, medicines, and other treatment options that can greatly assist a man in responding to sexual stimulation successfully.
Any disease or injury that interferes with the complex sequence of events needed to produce an erection may cause erectile dysfunction. The most common being those that affect the blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal. Certain health conditions have been associated with ED. These conditions include heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Medicine taken for a variety of health problems may have a side effect of causing erectile dysfunction. Recent studies have shown over 200 different medicines which have harmed erection abilities. The medicines used to treat high blood pressure, heart disease, allergies, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and ulcers have shown these effects.
When taking medicines of any kind, it is important to follow your health care provider’s advice and discuss any questions or concerns with them. Alternatives are often available if certain side effects results. However, your health care provider needs to be aware of what you are experiencing.
Erectile dysfunction is often associated with certain risk factors, like smoking, being overweight, or drinking too much. Reducing or eliminating any of these risk factors will reduce the likelihood of erectile dysfunction while also providing a healthier lifestyle. Also, talking to your doctor about the medicine or over-the-counter products taken can decrease your risk.
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