Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile Dysfunction



Definion of Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition also known as impotence. In this condition the affected person is unable to establish erection or maintain it during intercourse.

Erectile dysfunction can be temporary or permanent, can be physiological or pathological.

  • Physiological impotence is due to some emotional triggers. This kind of ED is usually short lived and goes away when the emotions abate. For instance you don’t get an erection when you’re afraid. Similarly dislike for the sexual partner can kill sex drive and can cause temporary erectile dysfunction.

  • In the case of pathological erectile dysfunction, the basic cause is some underlying disease and the damage caused is mostly permanent and irreversible. For instance the patients of diabetes usually suffer pathological and permanent ED.

 

Cause of Erectile Dysfunction

Following are the most important causes of erectile dysfunction:

  • Use of drugs like anti depressant.

  • Excessive smoking.

  • Nicotine exposure.

  • Disorders leading to abnormal function of nerves whether central or peripheral.

  • Anxiety.

  • Stress.

  • Depression.

  • Mental disorders.

  • Fear.

  • Negative feelings and hatred.

  • Peyronie’s syndrome.

  • Complications of surgery.

  • Effects of aging.

  • Decreased level of testosterone.

  • Renal failure.

  • Diabetes.

  • Multiple sclerosis.

  • Arsenic poisoning.

  • Use of drugs.

  • Congenital anomalies.

Signs and Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction

Following are the most important signs and symptoms of erectile dysfunction.

  • Inability to establish erection.

  • Inability to maintain erection.

  • Inability to establish and maintain erection while during sleep.

Risk Factors for Erectile Dysfunction

The most important risk factor include:

  • Excessive smoking.

  • Excessive consumption of alcohol.

  • Too much cycling.

  • Exposure to radiations.

  • Advanced age.

  • Obesity.

  • Use of drugs.

  • Excessive use of some medicines.

Diagnosis of Erectile Dysfunction

The tests or procedures that can be performed to confirm ED are:

  • Duplex ultrasound.

  • Penile nerve function test.

  • Nocturnal penile tumescence.

  • Penile biothesiometry.

  • Dynamic infusion cavernosometry.

  • Corpus cavernosometry.

  • Magnetic resonance angiography.

Prevention from Erectile Dysfunction

To make healthy lifestyle choices and to manage any existing health problems you have may prevent erectile dysfunction. Here are some things you can do:

  • Work with your doctor to manage diabetes, heart disease or other chronic health problems.
  • Stay sexually active
  • See your doctor for regular checkups and medical screening tests.
  • Quit smoking, limit or avoid alcohol, and don’t use street drugs.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Take steps to reduce stress.
  • Get help for anxiety or depression.
  • Eat a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and fiber and low in saturated fats and sodium.

Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction

Treatment options include:

  • Oral medications like sildenafil.

  • Steroid medicines injected into the penis.

  • Use of vacuum devices.

  • Psychotherapy.

  • Changes in lifestyle.

  • Surgery.