ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
Erectile dysfunction is a type of sexual dysfunction characterized by the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse.
- Having an erection problem from time to time is not uncommon. Many men experience it during times of stress.
- Erectile dysfunction is only considered a concern if the inability to have an erection is persistent.
- Also known as impotence, erectile dysfunction varies in severity; while some men cannot have an erection at all, some men sometimes have trouble getting a hard erection and others get a hard erection but it only lasts for a short period of time.
- Erectile dysfunction can occur at any age, the risk of developing it increases with age.
- Approximately, half of the men over the age of 40 have troubles with erectile dysfunction. The prevalence increases from 5% at age 40 to 15% among men 70 years of age and older.
- Erectile dysfunction can be embarrassing, causes stress, affect self-confidence and contribute to relationship problems.
- Problems getting an erection may be a sign of an underlying health condition that needs medical care and a risk factor for heart disease.
CAUSES
Sexual arousal in men is a complex process that involves the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles and blood vessels. Normal erectile function can be affected by problems with any of these.
In many cases, erectile dysfunction is caused by physical factors, psychological issues or a combination of both.
Physical factors such as:
- Heart disease
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Tobacco use
- Smoking
- Alcohol use
- Drug use
- Surgical complications
- Injuries in the pelvic area or spinal cord
- Radiation therapy to the pelvic region
- Metabolic syndrome
- Parkinson’s disease
- Anatomical disorder of the penis such ad Peyronie disease
- Certain medications
- Multiple sclerosis
Psychological issues such as:
- Stress
- Depression
- Severe anxiety
- Mental disorders
SYMPTOMS
- Trouble getting an erection
- Trouble keeping an erection
- Reduced sexual desire
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
The doctor will ask about symptoms and health history. The doctor may carry out a test if chronic health conditions or an underlying condition is suspected.
Test for underlying condition may include:
Physical examination to carefully examine the penis and testicles
Blood test to check for signs of heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions
Urine test
Psychological exam to screen for depression and other psychological issues
TREATMENT
Many treatment options are available to treat the dysfunction and most men will find one that works for them.
Treatment option may include:
Oral medications such as Sildenafil (Viagra), Avanafil (Stendra), Tadalafil (Cialis), and Vardenafil (Levitra) that increases blood flow and allows you to get an erection in response to sexual stimulation. Most of them are taken 30-60 minutes before sex. They are called the PDE5 inhibitor
Penis pumps that help to draw blood into the penis may also be used. Penis pumps are also called vacuum erection devices, they are mechanical way of producing an erection for men who do not want or cannot use drug treatments or find that they are not working
Surgery may also be used as last resort if other treatment options are not working. The most common is penis implant where artificial rods are inserted into the penis.
Moderate aerobic exercise has been shown to improve erectile dysfunction.
If your dysfunction is caused by stress, anxiety, or depression or if the dysfunction is causing stress and emotional disturbance, your doctor may advise you take a visit to a psychologist.