Erectile Dysfunction

Overview

Erectile dysfunction, commonly referred to as impotence, is characterized by a repeated inability to obtain or keep an erection that is firm enough to support sexual intercourse. The word impotence may be used to describe other similar problems interfering with sexual intercourse or the reproductive process. The term erectile dysfunction is used to clarify that other problems like ejaculation or orgasm problems or a lack of sexual disorder are not involved.

Types

There are different levels of erectile dysfunction, or ED, including a complete and total inability to achieve an erection, an inconsistent ability to achieve an erection or a tendency to sustain erections only briefly. These variations of erectile dysfunction can make defining the disorder and estimating its incidence difficult. It is estimated that there are 15 to 30 million sufferers of erectile dysfunction.

There are two types of erectile dysfunction or male impotence:

• Primary Premature Ejaculation
• Secondary PrematureEjaculation

Symptoms

Depending on the severity of the erectile dysfunction, the primary symptom of this disorder is difficulty in maintaining an erection for a longer period of time, an inconsistent ability to achieve erections or a complete and total lack of the ability to achieve an erection. While another symptom that is associated with erectile dysfunction includes difficulty ejaculating or issues relating to orgasm. Erectile dysfunction is mainly characterized by issues that relate directly to erection.

Causes/Risk Factors

There is a precise sequence of events that contributes to an erection, and for this reason, anything that causes this sequence of events to be disrupted may be characterized as a cause of erectile dysfunction. Some of the causes of erectile dysfunction include damage to nerves, smooth muscles, arteries and fibrous tissues. The damage can be caused either as a result of disease or injury and these are the most common causes for this disorder. There are also diseases like diabetes, vascular disease, neurological diseases, chronic alcoholism, multiple sclerosis and kidney disease that can cause erectile dysfunction. Approximately 35 to 50 percent of all men who are suffering from diabetes will also experience erectile dysfunction. Certain prescription drugs may also suggest a chemical cause for the erectile dysfunction, accounting for as many as 25 percent of all cases.

Tests/Diagnosis

Scheduling enough time with your doctor to conduct a full interview and physical examination is important. After performing a full interview, physical examination and laboratory testing, your doctor can then discuss your particular situation, the most likely cause and reasonable treatment options. Physical examination and laboratory tests may be used to determine whether or not there is a physical underlying cause for the erectile dysfunction.

Treatment

The most common treatments for erectile dysfunction are those that are least invasive, with more invasive options being suggested only when other methods of treatment have not garnered results. Cutting back on prescription drugs, quitting smoking, losing weight and increasing physical activity may help. Psychotherapy and behavior modification therapy are also suggested, followed by drug therapy, vacuum devices or even surgery depending on the severity of the issue.