What is an Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a male's disorder resulting in difficulty to obtain and / or maintain an erection, sufficient enough to have sexual intercourse.
Historically, ED had many names. Impotence has been the most common one, but it is now considered that Erectile Dysfunction is the most appropriate term. Many men have ever had temporary erection problems while others have longer-lasting problems.
How common is ED?
It is a common problem that affects more than 100 million men Worldwide. About half of all men between 40 and 70 years of age experience some form of Erectile Dysfunction. A third of these have severe ED, which means that they never or almost never get a sufficient erection to complete the sexual intercourse.
Problems with erections are more prevalent with age, but it is not something that necessarily belongs to you when you get older. With advancing age, does increase the risk of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases that may contribute to an increased risk of Erectile Dysfunction.
Erection problems have nothing to do with desire or virility. Neither the ability to achieve orgasm necessarily will be
affected.
Is Erectile Dysfunction Just a Male's Problem?
No, not really. Erectile dysfunction affects not only the man, but also his partner. The symptoms of ED do not usually depend on problems in the relationship, but can lead to such problems if you do not understand the roots of a disorder.
How Does an Erection Occur?
An erection is the result of a complex process involving both blood vessels and a nervous system. The man's genitals are specially designed to react to this process. The penis consists of the three components that run in parallel from the pelvis and right up to the glans.
These components consist of spongy tissue that contains a lot of blood vessels. Typically, these blood vessels are constricted, which means that blood does not flow so easily into the penis. The penis in this state, therefore, is relaxed and soft.
When a man experiences a sexual stimulation, this opens up blood vessels in the penis and blood easily flows into them. At that moment the veins are pulled together. Veins are the blood vessels that usually lead blood out from the penis. As the blood flows easily in, and does not out, the penis becomes rigid and large.
What Can Cause Erection Problems?
The chemical processes that control erection do not work in men with erectile dysfunction. Blood vessels do not relax enough for the penis to fill with blood.
Formerly, it was erroneously believed that erectile dysfunction occurs mainly due to psychological reasons, and that it was an unavoidable problem when you get older. While age plays an important role in ED, it is not at all true that everyone experiences erection problems when one gets old. We also know today that the majority of cases have physical causes.
In general, the physical causes of ED are related to:
Medical conditions that prevent blood from normal flowing into the penis. For example, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Nerve damage or disease that destroys the nerve pathways from the central nervous system and the penis. For example, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke or surgery of the pelvic region.
Other diseases, such as kidney and liver damage, depression and hormonal disorders.
Medications that can cause erectile dysfunction as a side effect. Some drugs from the following groups can give them problems: diuretics (water pills), high blood pressure drugs, drugs that lower blood cholesterol, diabetes mellitus drugs, antidepressants, anticonvulsants and anti-inflammatory drugs (called NSAIDs).
Lifestyle factors, such as cigarette smoking and high alcohol intake.
How Can I Discuss the Problem with my Partner?
If possible, you should discuss how the problem may have affected your relationship. This may be the time to talk about the desire to do something about the problem, not only for its own sake but also for your partner. Ask your partner for support.
Most partners easily look forward to helping as Erectile Dysfunction actually affects both in the relationship. Often it is advantageous if both can go together to the doctor to decide jointly how to proceed to try to solve the problem.
Can Erectile Dysfunction be treated?
Yes, in most cases, regardless of what the causes of the erection problems are. There are a variety of options to treat Erectile Dysfunction, both in terms of pharmacological treatment (VIAGRA®, LEVITRA®, CIALIS®) and non-pharmacological treatment (like counseling).
The most important thing is that you get in touch with your doctor to discuss which treatment option is best for you. Before the doctor suggests a treatment approach, there are several things that should be assessed.
The most important considerations are safety, potential side effects and complications, and how well the treatment will be tolerated. In addition, your doctor should take into account how your partner will experience the treatment method.
Only your doctor can tell you whether the Erectile Dysfunction treatment will be easy to implement and how effective it will be.
