Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED), or impotence, is the inability to get or keep an erection long enough for satisfactory lovemaking. Erectile dysfunction isn’t a disease, but a symptom of some other problem – physical, psychological or a mixture of both.

It is normal to experience the occasional bout of impotence. Unless it persists, there is no reason to be concerned. Ongoing impotence should be investigated by a doctor.

Treatments for erectile dysfunction include medications given orally (by mouth), vacuum devices, counselling, injections directly into the penis or penile prosthetic implants.

Causes of erectile dysfunction
It was once thought that erectile dysfunction was mainly caused by psychological factors, such as anxiety or depression. In fact, most cases of erectile dysfunction are actually caused by physical illness.

The four main causes of erectile dysfunction include:

* Physical illness – there are many diseases that interfere with functioning of the penis by either reducing blood flow or affecting the nerves. Some of these diseases include heart and blood vessel diseases (atherosclerosis), diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Cigarette smoking, drinking too much alcohol and some prescription drugs can also cause erectile dysfunction. High blood pressure and high cholesterol levels increase a man’s risk of developing erectile dysfunction. Major surgery for prostate or bowel cancer may also lead to erectile dysfunction by causing nerve damage. When the impotence is caused by a physical illness it usually develops slowly. Most causes of impotence are physical. Some prescription drugs such as narcotics, sedatives and blood pressure medication can give you impotence as a side effect.
* Psychological factors – a man’s sexual drive or performance can be affected by stress such as problems at work, relationship difficulties or financial worries. Psychiatric conditions and feeling depressed or anxious about poor sexual performance can also result in a failed erection. Only one in ten cases of impotence are caused by psychological factors.
* A combination of physical illness and psychological factors – physical problems with maintaining an erection may cause the man to feel anxious about lovemaking, which makes the problem worse.
* Unknown – in a few cases, neither physical nor psychological causes can explain the loss of sexual functioning. Read more of this article »