Erectile Dysfunction Information Help for Male Impotence
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction or ED (It used to be called impotence) is the inability to achieve or sustain an erection suitable for sexual intercourse. Problems with erections may stem from medications, chronic illnesses, poor blood flow to the penis, drinking too much alcohol, or being too tired. Erectile dysfunction can occur at any age, but it is more common in men older than 75.
Is there a Difference Between Erectile Dysfunction and Impotence?
The word "impotence" may also be used to describe other problems that interfere with sexual intercourse and reproduction, such as lack of sexual desire and problems with ejaculation or orgasm. Using the term erectile dysfunction makes it clear that those other problems are not involved.
An occasional problem achieving an erection is nothing to worry about. But failure to do so more than 50% of the time at any age may indicate a condition that needs treatment. About 40% of men in their 40s report at least occasional problems getting and maintaining erections. So do more than half (52%) of men aged 40 to 70, and about 70% of men in their 70s.
Common Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction can be caused by a number of things including:
* Alcohol and tobacco use - Tobacco, alcohol and recreational drugs can all damage a man's blood vessels and/or restrict blood flow to the penis, causing ED.
* Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) - Atherosclerosis alone accounts for 50% to 60% of ED cases in men 60 and older.
* Brain or spinal-cord injuries
* Diabetes (high blood sugar) - Between 35% and 50% of men with diabetes have ED, and ED may be a predictor for other vascular problems.
* Fatigue - Regular exercise can reduce the risk of ED.
* Hypertension (high blood pressure)
* Hypogonadism (which leads to lower testosterone levels)
* Multiple sclerosis
* Overweight men are more likely to have ED
* Parkinson's disease
* Prescription medications, such as antidepressants, pain medicine and medicine for high blood pressure
* Radiation therapy to the testicles
* Some types of prostate or bladder surgery
* Stress, anxiety or depression including stress from work or family situations - Stress and anxiety are leading causes of temporary ED.
* Stroke
Your own feelings can also lead to erectile dysfunction. For example feeling nervous about having sex after a bad experience or because of a previous episode of impotence and feeling self-conscious that you can't enjoy sex, or thinking that your partner is reacting negatively to you.
Erectile dysfunction happens to about one in ten men. Today there are a number of treatments that can help, so there is no longer any need for males to suffer as often simple lifestyle changes, medications, and other treatments can be used to treat ED. Quitting smoking, losing excess weight, and increasing physical activity may help some men regain sexual function.
Articles
| Pub. Date | Topic | Author |
|---|---|---|
| 2011-11-16 | Erectile Dysfunction and Multiple Medications | Kaiser Permanente |
| 2011-10-13 | Cialis to Treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Approved by FDA | U.S. Food and Drug Administration |
| 2010-11-27 | FDA Approval for Axiron (testosterone) Topical Solution CIII | Health News |
| 2010-07-14 | Cardiovascular Risks for Depressed Males with ED | Wiley-Blackwell |
| 2010-05-19 | Strong Link Between Impotence and Heart Disease | Wiley-Blackwell |
| 2010-04-16 | Males Slow to Talk About Fast Sex | Janssen-Cilag EMEA, EMHF, ESHA & ISG |
| 2010-01-01 | Restless Leg Syndrome Linked to Erectile Dysfunction in Senior Males | American Academy of Sleep Medicine |
