Erectile dysfunction or ED as it is commonly called is the body’s inability to sustain or achieve an erection satisfactory for sexual activity. This is also known as impotence. This is a different disorder than other sexual disorders which affect ejaculation or orgasm. It is also not contributed to lack of sexual desire. It is simply the inability to maintain an erection.

Who Suffers from Erectile Dysfunction?

This disorder only affects men and is uncommon among young men. It is most common among elderly men and studies have shown that by age 45, most men would have experienced erectile dysfunction at some point in their life. It is estimated that more that 30 million men suffer from Erectile dysfunction.

Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

There are several causes of erectile dysfunction.

Age: Is one of the many factors for erectile dysfunction. There are too many reasons why erectile dysfunction occurs more often in older men. The first reason is older men are at risk of having diseases that commonly cause erectile dysfunction. These diseases such as heart attacks, angina, diabetes, and high blood pressure contribute to erectile dysfunction. The second reason for Erectile dysfunction in older men is simply age. As the body grows older its ability to get and sustain an erection becomes compromised. This is partially due to a decrease in the compliance of the tissues responsible for erections and the decreased amount of nitric oxide in the nerve cells responsible for the smooth muscle functions of the penis.

Diabetes: Diabetes is a common cause for erectile dysfunction. The longer one experiences diabetes and the longer the blood glucose stays uncontrolled the more damage is done to the nerves of the body. Studies show that erectile dysfunction typically affects men 10 to 15 years earlier than most men who have erectile dysfunction. This is common in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. This in part may also be caused by the narrowing of the arteries due to prolonged diabetes. The body is not able to deliver the blood required for an erection.

High Blood Pressure: This disease also known as Hypertension is a cause of erectile dysfunction. It is thought that the arteries are less able to generate nitric oxide to provide the functions of an erection. The low amount of nitric oxide is thought to have a direct impact on the penis’s ability to become erect.

Cardiovascular Disease: The most common cause of cardiovascular disease is the narrowing and hardening of the arteries. When the arteries that supply the heart become narrowed and hardens it results in a heart attack. When the arteries supplying the brain do the same it results in a stroke. The same goes for the arteries that supply the groin area. When they become narrowed and hardened it results in erectile dysfunction. For men who experience a sudden onset of erectile dysfunction this can be an early warning sign of a possible killer. They should seek medical attention to determine if the silent cardiovascular disease is a possibility. Early medical treatment may be able to ward off a heart attack or stroke.

Nerve or Spinal Cord Damage: This is a possible cause for erectile dysfunction. It can occur from an automobile or other physical accident; surgery which damages the nerves of the pelvic area; and even nerve damage due to diseases such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

Substance Abuse: The abuse of alcohol, heroin, cocaine, marijuana and other drugs can cause erectile dysfunction. This is commonly suspected in younger men suffering from erectile dysfunction. The abuse of these drugs can lower testosterone.

Depression and Anxiety: Also a common cause of erectile dysfunction in both younger and older men. This is a physiological disorder that can cause erectile dysfunction as a side effect.

Medications: Medications used to treat depression and hypertension along with tranquilizers, antihistamines, and appetite suppressants can have erectile dysfunction as a common side effect.

Diagnosis of Erectile Dysfunction

A man must first go to a doctor to have erectile dysfunction diagnosed. The examination for erectile dysfunction is a three part process. First an interview to decide if erectile dysfunction is a possibility. A man who is diagnosed with erectile dysfunction will have had problems achieving or maintaining an erection for three months. A doctor will discuss the possibility of erectile dysfunction or other sexual disorders, whether a medical history points to a physical problem or if a psychological problem could exist. One way to decide if the problem is psychological is if the man still is able to have erections during his sleep cycle or if he awakes with an erection. If this is still occurring then the problem is most likely psychological.

A physical exam is the next part. The doctor will be able to tell if there is a lack of testosterone if there is lack of facial hair or enlarged breast. This could be a sign of a hormonal imbalance. Another sign of a physical problem is if the doctor does not feel a strong pulse in the pelvic region. This can be a sign of cardiovascular disease. Another part of the examination is to look at the penis for any deformities which may point to the problem.

The third part of the exam is to run blood work to determine the source of a hormonal disorder or other underlying causes such as diabetes.

Over the Counter Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction

There are no over the counter treatments for erectile dysfunction.

Alternative Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction

There are several methods to treat erectile dysfunction without taking additional medication. One place to start is to discuss possible medications you are currently taking that maybe causing erectile dysfunction. An alternative treatment should be found for the disorder the medication is prescribed to treat. Another alternative treatment for erectile dysfunction is a vacuum constrictive device for the penis. This is also called a penis pump. It can help you reach a fuller erection. Making lifestyle changes can also have a positive effect on your erection problem. Stop smoking, eating healthier, and getting exercise can all have a positive result in your overall health and sexual activities.

When is Medical Attention Required?

Erectile dysfunction should be taken seriously. It can be an indicator for a more serious disorder or disease. Many men do not seek medical attention for this problem due to embarrassment.

Medical Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction

There are several medical treatments available to treat erectile dysfunction including medications and surgery to correct the problem. Medical advancements in the last decade has helped many men be able to achieve an erection. Medications such as Viagra, Levitra and Cialis have given men back their sex lives.

Other medical treatments of erectile dysfunction include medications inserted or injected into the penis, psychotherapy, and penile prostheses. Surgery to correct the cardiovascular system in the pelvic region can also help correct the problem causing the erectile dysfunction.

Common Erectile Dysfunction Mispellings

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