| The repeated inability to achieve or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse is called erectile dysfunction (also known as male impotence).
Some men experience chronic erectile dysfunction, and others have partial or brief erections. Regular erectile dysfunction can bring on emotional and relationship disorders, and often results in diminished self-esteem and confidence. These variations make defining ED and estimating its incidence hard. Estimates range from 15 to 30 mln, depending on the definition used.
Physical factors, such as vascular, nerve and penile abnormalities are at the root of male sexual problems.
In older males, erectile dysfunction commonly has a physical cause, such as diseases, injuries, or side effects of drugs. Any disorder that impairs penile nerves and blood vessels may cause ED. Incidence goes up with age: about 5% of 40-year-old men and 15-25% of 65-year-old males suffer from ED. Nonetheless, it is not an irrevocable aspect of aging.
Not being able to perform in bed adversely impacts upon man's self-esteem and confidence. Besides, it also badly damages his relationship with a sexual partner.
According to the survey, in 1985 for every 1, 000 males in the United States, 7.7 appointments with a physician were made for ED. By 1999, that rate had nearly tripled. The increase occurred gradually, probably as treatments, for example vacuum and drug therapies became more freely available and discussing erectile function became accepted.
By and large, erectile dysfunction is treatable regardless of age, and awareness of the fact has been growing. Today more men look for specialist assistance and return to normal sex life because of bettered, effective therapies for erectile dysfunction. There are drug, mechanical, injection and surgery therapies.
One way to better ED is to make some simple life-style alterations. For some men, choosing a healthier lifestyle, for example quitting smoke, exercising regularly, and reducing stress, may be all that is required to find relief. For those who need more intensive treatment, lifestyle alterations along with other treatments can further help. |
