Overview of Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile Dysfunction can be said to Impotence in men. it is a condition in which men are unable to regularly get or keep a firm enough erection to be able to have sex, or if it interferes with other sexual activities. Most men have occasionally experienced some difficult with their penis becoming hard or staying firm. However, erectile dysfunction (ED) is only considered a concern if satisfactory sexual performance has been impossible on a number of occasions for some time.
What is ED medication
Since the discovery that the drug sildenafil, or Viagra, affected penile erections, most people have become aware that ED is a treatable medical condition. Men who have a problem with their sexual performances may be reluctant to talk with their doctor, seeing it can be an embarrassing issue. However, ED is now well understood, and there are various treatment available.
Facts on Erectile Dysfunction
- Erectile dysfunction is defined as persistent difficulty achieving and keeping an erection sufficient to have sex
- causes are usually medical but can also be psychological.
- Organic causes are usually the result of an underlying medical condition affecting the blood vessels or nerves supplying the penis.
- numerous prescription drugs, recreational drugs, alcohol, and smoking, can all cause ED.
Causes of ED
It is always worth consulting a doctor about persistent erection problems, as it could be caused by a serious medical condition. Whether the cause is simple or serious a proper diagnosis can help to address any underlying medical issues and help resolve sexual difficulties. Normal erectile function can be affected by problems with any of the following systems:
- blood flow
- nerve supply
- hormones
- Physical causes
Physical or organic
The following list summarizes many of the most common physical or organic causes of ED:
- hearth diseases and narrowing of blood vessels
- diabetes
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol
- obesity and metabolic syndrome
- Parkinson’s disease.
- multiple sclerosis
- hormonal disorders including thyroid conditions and testosterone deficiency
- smoking,alcoholism, and substance abuse, including cocaine use
- treatment for prostate diseases
- surgical complications
- injuries in the pelvic area or spinal cord
- radiation therapy to the pelvic region.
Problem of ED in Australia
There are also some other causes that could be as a result of psychological factors. It affects approximately 100 million men around the globe to some degree, with about one million Australian men currently affected. Because the Australian community is a relatively fit one, men are tending to live longer than before and the incidence of ED is certain to escalate(the condition is more common as men age). while studies here have been lacking until recently, a south Australian community study, which recruited men from the general community (through a household survey) confirms that age is the strongest contributing demographic factor to ED with 60 years of age often being the turning point where desire exceed potency and sexual frequency diminishes.
The study found that 52 per cent of men between 40-70 years had some form of ED, with almost 60 per cent of 60 year old men having this complaint. the study found that sexual function was also affected by risk factors such as smoking, hypertension , obesity and a high total cholesterol levels. vigorous exercise was found to be protective. Research also found diabetes( type 1 and 2) to be a significant contributor to ED.
Prevention of ED
Men can be at risk of developing ED but can prevent it by doing any, some or all of the following:
- quit smoking. if you smoke, get help quitting
- follow a healthy eating plan to help maintain erectile function,choose whole grain foods, low fat dairy foods, fruits and vegetables , and lean meat.
- maintain a healthy weight to prevent diabetes and high blood pressure
- be active physically
- avoid using illegal drugs.
Treatment of ED
Treatment of ED starts with taking care of your heart and vascular health. Your doctor may point out risk factors that can be changed or improved. ED treatment may include any of the following options:
- Oral drugs or pills known as phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors are most often prescribed in the U.S for ED(Viagra,Cialis,Levitra)
- Testosterone Therapy (when low testosterone is detected in the blood testing)
- Penile injections (ICI, Intracavernosal alprostadil)
- Vacuum Erectile Devices
- Penile Implants
- Surgery to bypass penile artery damage for some younger men with a history of severe pelvic trauma, penile vascular surgery is not recommended for older men with hardened arteries.
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