Erectile Dysfunction: ED

Sexual health is an important determinant of quality of life. Erectile dysfunction, also called impotence, is a grave disorder that is rapidly striking in men. It is a more precise term used to signify the inability to obtain an adequate erection for satisfactory sexual intercourse. In simple words, when a man does not get an erection to have sex or cannot keep an erection for a longer time, shows he is suffering from ed.

Causes of Erectile Dysfunction or ED:

Its causes can be physiological or psychological. Impotence can be developed due to hormonal deficiency, disorders of the neural system, lack of adequate penile blood supply or psychological problems. Below listed are few causes that lead to erectile dysfunction.

• Psychological causes: Stress, anxiety and fatigue are the most common reasons causing Erectile Dysfunction. Depression and hypertension are also few of the major causes of impotence.
• Physical causes: Other problems faced by the body, which can lead to erectile dysfunction are:
  1. Neurogenic Disorders (spinal cord and brain injuries)
  2. Hormonal Disorders
  3. Diabetes (high blood sugar)
  4. Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
  5. Surgery and operations for cancer of the prostate.
  6. Cardiovascular disorders affecting the blood supply to the pelvis.
  7. Alcoholism and drug abuse.

Problems in your relationship with your sexual partner can also cause ed. Nonetheless, this problem can be easily solved. You only need to be sure about the cause of impotence, so it can be cured easily.

Diagnosis:

There are few formal tests carried out to diagnose erectile dysfunction. Ultrasonography is a test to determine the adequacy of arterial circulation in genital organs. The doctor does neurologic evaluation to find out any possible nerve damage, by conducting a physical examination.

Below given are names of few clinical tests that are used to diagnose ED are:

• Duplex ultrasound
• Bulbocavernosus reflex test
• Penile biothesiometry
• Digital Subtraction Angiography

Medications for the treatment of ED:

The treatment completely depends on the cause. Treatments enable an erection to be attained long enough for an intercourse. There are different treatments available, such as:

1. Oral Treatment : The doctors provide different types of tablets to work when there is sexual stimulation. Viagra, Levitra and Cialis are few FDA approved drugs which are highly recommended to cure ED.
2. Alprostadil : This can be injected into the penis or inserted using a special applicator - usually just before sexual intercourse.
3. Vacuum Pumps : They work by drawing blood into the penis and are used just before sexual intercourse.
4. Surgery : It enables the insertion of artificial rods into the penis. When oral drugs or suppositories fail, injections into the erectile tissue of the penile shaft are extremely effective. All these methods are based on simple principles but do have disadvantages.

Some facts about ED:

• Studies have confirmed that physical factors causing ED can be avoided. Men facing this problem should try to avoid smoking, excessive use of alcohol and high fat foods.
• Experts evaluate that about half of men older than 40 years have at least modest problems in achieving and maintaining an erection. Erectile dysfunction affects about 18 million men in U.S.
• It can occur at any age but more commonly it is found in men older than 65.