Erectile dysfunction (male erectile disorder) is the inability to achieve or maintain the erection required for sexual intercourse. Erectile dysfunction causes include diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease and psychological issues.
Although the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) increases with age, it isn't a part of normal healthy aging. ED is primarily a vascular disease, often caused by conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
Anything that interferes with blood circulation could lead to ED, including smoking. Other conditions that may cause erectile dysfunction include:
ED is also a potential side effect of many commonly prescribed medications, including drugs for high blood pressure and depression. Although erectile dysfunction causes usually involve physical components, psychological factors can also contribute to sexual dysfunction in men. Often, these physical and psychological are intertwined.
The first step in erectile dysfunction treatment is treating any underlying conditions contributing to the problem.
The popular choice for erectile dysfunction treatment these days is drugs. The erectile dysfunction drugs sildenafil (Viagra®), vardenafil (Levitra®), and tadalafil (Cialis®) increase blood flow and relax the muscles in the penis.
Although these drugs work for many men, they also have potentially serious side effects, especially for men who have heart problems, very low blood pressure, uncontrolled high blood pressure or uncontrolled diabetes. The drugs may also be dangerous for men who have had a stroke, who take nitrate drugs for angina, who take blood thinners, or who take medication for enlarged prostate or high blood pressure.
Other erectile dysfunction treatment options are available, including other drugs.
Another option is a vacuum constriction device--also known as a penis pump--which creates a vacuum that draws blood into the penis. You place a hollow plastic cylinder over your penis and use the pump to remove air, causing a partial vacuum. When the erection occurs, you place a constricting band at the base of the penis to hold the erection (for up to 30 minutes).
When stress, depression or other psychological issues cause or contribute to erectile dysfunction, therapy or counseling is an option. Even if the erectile dysfunction causes are physical, it can create stress and tension in a relationship that therapy or counseling can address.
If no other erectile function treatment has worked, penile implants may be an option. These implants are inflatable or semi-rigid rods made from silicone or polyurethane and are surgically implanted into the penis.
Due to the ample availability of erectile dysfunction drugs, many men are failing to get a complete medical evaluation to better understand their sexual dysfunction. Negative consequences of this approach include possible avoidance of underlying problems. If you're having sexual problems, discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Brosman, S. (2009). Erectile dysfunction. Retrieved July 14, 2010, from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/444220-overview
Mayo Clinic. (2010). Erectile dysfunction. Retrieved July 22, 2010, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/erectile-dysfunction/DS0016