Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse. It is also sometimes also referred to as impotence.
Occasional ED is not uncommon. Many men experience it during times of stress. However, frequent ED can be a sign of health problems that need treatment. It can also be a sign of emotional or relationship difficulties that may need to be addressed by a professional.
Not all male sexual problems are caused by ED. Other types of male sexual dysfunction include:
premature ejaculation
delayed or absent ejaculation
lack of interest in sex
How Common Is Erectile Dysfunction?
Up to 30 million American men are affected by ED, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The prevalence of ED increases with age. ED affects only four percent of men in their 50s, but nearly 17 percent of men in their 60s. Furthermore, almost half of all men over the age of 75 will suffer from ED.
Although the risk of ED increases with age, ED is not an inevitable consequence of getting older. It may be more difficult to get an erection as you age, but that does not necessarily you mean you will develop ED. In general, the healthier a man is, the better his sexual function.
The potential causes of ED are numerous. They include:
cardiovascular disease
diabetes
damage from cancer or surgery
injuries
stress
anxiety
relationship problems
drug use
alcohol use
smoking
These factors can work singly or in combination.
What Are the Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction?
ED is defined by an inability to get or sustain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. It has no other symptoms.
What Is the Outlook for Erectile Dysfunction?
ED is a treatable condition. There are a number of ED treatments available. The type of treatment generally depends on the underlying cause of ED.
Treatments for ED range from counseling and lifestyle changes to drugs and surgery. If you suffer from ED, it is important to talk to your doctor. A doctor can help identify the cause of your ED and figure out the most appropriate treatment.
Because it can be embarrassing to discuss ED, many men look for treatment options online. However, not all treatments are safe for all men. You should not self-prescribe for ED. In addition, many of the treatments available on the Internet are scams. They may not help your ED, and could damage your health.
Erectile Dysfunction Prevention
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common problem. According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC), occasional ED affects up to 30 million men each year. ED in younger adult men is often temporary. However, the incidence increases with age—four percent of men over the age of 50 and more than 17 percent of men in their 60s experience a total inability to get and maintain and erection. (NKUDIC, 2012). However, ED is not a natural consequence of aging, and it doesn’t have to ruin your sex life or your self-esteem.
ED can be caused by a variety of factors, including certain medications, injuries, chronic diseases and mental disorders, and even drug use. Although not all ED is preventable, there are things that you can do to reduce your risk of ED.
Lead a Healthy Lifestyle
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Whole body health contributes to sexual health. It is important to keep your arteries and nerves healthy to maintain good circulation and prevent damage later on.
Poor diet and exercise and unhealthy behaviors can increase your risk for ED, as well as other health conditions. There are number of lifestyle changes that can help you stay healthy. To reduce your risk of ED, consider:
losing weight
exercising regularly
eating well
quitting smoking
avoiding excessive alcohol use
Control Your Chronic Illness
Chronic diseases are some of the major causes of ED. Cardiovascular disease and diabetes significantly increase ED risk in older men. Therefore, it is important to control chronic diseases by taking all medications as directed and leading a healthier lifestyle. Doing so can help you maintain functional erections.
You’ll want to:
regulate your blood sugar
try to keep blood pressure at healthy levels
manage your cholesterol through diet and medication, if needed
take medications for chronic conditions, if needed
In addition to the aforementioned diseases and conditions, prostate disorders—specifically, prostate cancer and treatment—often cause ED. Surgery to remove the prostate gland and surrounding tissues, called a radical prostatectomy, can often damage nerves and tissues near the penis, which can lead to ED. However, studies have found that getting erections after surgery can help prevent ED in the future. These erections usually require injections, vacuum pumps, or other assistance. This is also called penile rehabilitation.
Although controversial, penile rehabilitation seems to improve the health of the penile tissue. It appears to improve blood flow and prevent scarring.
Additional research has shown that regular intercourse—at least once per week—reduced the risk for developing ED in men aged 55 to 75.
Don’t Neglect Mental Health
Mental and emotional stress can also contribute to ED, and in some cases, may even be the underlying cause of ED. Depression and anxiety can interfere with your ability to get and maintain an erection, which in turn can create additional stress. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety that interfere with your day-to-day activities, including your sex life, talk to your doctor. There are a variety of treatment options available.
Communication is Key
No matter the cause of your ED, open, honest communication is crucial for treatment and prevention. ED can undoubtedly affect your sex life and relationships, and creates a significant amount of stress. However, failing to manage that stress can actually exacerbate ED. Talking to your partner about what you are experiencing can help alleviate stress and may also help you and your partner find other forms of intimacy while you are seeking treatment for ED.
While ED can be an uncomfortable or potentially embarrassing subject, having a frank discussion about your symptoms with your doctor is the first step towards finding treatment.
Medications for Erectile Dysfunction
Oral Medications
Medications for ED can be extremely effective. They can be taken alone or in combination with other treatments. Several oral medications for ED are currently available. These drugs increase blood flow by heightening the effect of nitric oxide (NO) in the body. NO causes the muscles of the penis to relax. This allows the increase in blood that leads to an erection.
Drugs that increase NO are called phosophodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors. Several different formulations are available. Some are taken on a daily basis. Others are taken right before sex. Which drug is right for you is dependent on a variety of factors. It is important to discuss your options with your doctor. Currently, there are three approved drugs in this class:
Viagra (sildenafil)
Cialis (tadalafil)
Levitra (vardenafil)
PDE inhibitors only work in 30 to 40 percent of people with ED. However, sometimes they do not work because men do not use them correctly. Simply taking one of these drugs will not give you an erection. You also need to have sexual thoughts or stimulate your penis. These drugs aid in sexual arousal. They are not a substitute for interest.
In addition, these drugs are not safe for all men. You should not take them if you:
take nitrate drugs, such as those prescribed for angina
use blood thinners, such as warfarin
take alpha blockers, for an enlarged prostate
have been prescribed high blood pressure medication
have a history of stroke
have a history of heart disease or heart failure
have low blood pressure or uncontrolled high blood pressure
have uncontrolled diabetes
Injectable Drugs
Other medications for ED have a more direct effect on penile blood flow. These drugs are injected directly into the base of the penis. They are highly effective ways to achieve an erection.
Drugs used in this way include:
apaverine
alprostadil
phentolamine
Alprostadil can also be inserted into the urethra as a suppository. The urethra is the channel through which urine and semen are expelled from the penis.
Testosterone
ED can be caused by low levels of testosterone. Testosterone replacement therapy may help some men.
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