| Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is the inability to achieve or sustain an erection for satisfactory sexual activity. Erectile dysfunction differs from other medical conditions that interfere with sex life, such as lack of sexual desire and problems with ejaculation and orgasm.
Male impotence varies in severity: some men suffer from a total inability to attain an erection, others have an irregular ability to attain an erection, and still others can sustain only brief erections. The variations in severity of erectile dysfunction make it difficult to estimate its frequency. Many men are also unwilling to talk about erectile dysfunction with their physicians, and thus the health problem is under-diagnosed. Nonetheless, according to estimates, 30 million males in the USA suffer from ED.
While ED can happen at any age, it is uncommon in young men and more common in the elderly. By the age of 45, the majority of men have dealt with ED at least several times. Nevertheless, if it becomes chronic, it can have adversely affect relationships, emotional health, and self-esteem.
In the recent years, the medical viewpoint on the causes of ED has shifted. Almost all cases of ED were attributed to psychological factors. Today physicians suppose that up to 85% of impotence cases are brought on by medical or physical factors. They include vascular disorders, hypertension, diabetes, neurological disease and other medical conditions. Some of the medicines used to cure these conditions can also cause erectile dysfunction. Only 15% are completely psychologically based causes. They include anxiety, depression, stress, and problems in relationships. At times impotence is due to a mixture of physical and psychological problems. Lifestyle can adversely impact upon male sexual well-being and virility, too. Smoking, alcohol abuse, and other substance abuse can increase the risk of ED.
Scientific progress has increased the number of ways to treat male sexual dysfunction efficiently. Drug therapy of PDE5 inhibitors is the top treatment for the disease. Sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra) and tadalafil (Cialis) are the three drugs sanctioned for treatment of impotence in males.
The blue little pills were initially introduced to treat blood vessel disorders and preclude heart attacks. It was concluded that the pills could widen blood vessels. Angina or chest pain was believed to reduce if more red blood cells filled with oxygen were delivered to heart muscle cells through the widened cardiac arteries. Not only were heart vessels dilated, but so were blood vessels in other places. This side-effect was taken into consideration when treatments for erectile dysfunction were being invented.
Alongside the drug therapy, there are other treatments. The cause of erectile dysfunction and a man's life-style determine the treatment a doctor chooses. |
