WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION (IMPOTENCE)

Erectile dysfunction (ED).

Erectile dysfunction OR IMPOTENCY is incapability to have or maintain erection for an adequate sexual pleasure. ED is distinct from other conditions involving with male sexual intercourse such as: decreased libido, problems with ejaculation and orgasm. ED varies in their degree of badness. Some have total incapability to achieve an erection, while others inconsistent ability to achieve an election, and still others can only maintain brief erections that will not last. Many feel embarrassed to discuss erectile dysfunction with their doctors, hence there conditions will not  be diagnosed. Although ED can occur at any age but it is more common in elderly men than in young men. From 45 years of age, most men start experiencing ED. ED can lead reduced sexual desire and difficulty in sustaining or achieving erection.

Causes

The capability to sustain or achieve erections depends on a healthy nervous system which controls nerve impulses in the brain, spinal cord and penis, healthy arteries in the corpora cavernosa of the penis, and sufficient level of nitric oxide in the penis.

Aging. ED develops more often in elderly men than in younger ones due to disease associated with old age. These diseases (stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus and heart attacks) are concomitant with erectile dysfunction. Aging can cause reduction in the compliance of the tissues of the corpora cavernosa of the penis and also reduction in production of nitric oxide in the nerves innervating the muscles of the penis. Diabetes is a known cause of ED. Diabetes mellitus causes erectile dysfunction by destroying sensory and autonomic nerves. This condition is called diabetic neuropathy.

Cigarette smoking, lack or poor control of glucose level, obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, nerve or spinal cord damage (which may be traumatic or during a surgical procedure of prostatectomy) and long term diabetes mellitus increases risk of erectile dysfunction.

Drug abuse like marijuana, heroin, cocaine, crystal meth and alcohol abuse contributes to ED. Alcohol can cause nerve damage thereby leading to testicular shrinking and lower testosterone levels. These testosterone helps in maintaining nitric oxide levels in the penis. So when there is low testosterone level, erectile dysfunction and low sex drive may set in.

Depression and anxiety. Psychological factors like depression, low self-esteem, widower syndrome, and fear of sexual failure contributes to erectile dysfunction and equally ejaculating problems.

Treatment.

You have to work with a doctor to help you select the best drugs that have little or no side effect.

Work on your Lifestyle. Exercise more, lose excess weight, quit alcohol consumption, control hypertension, quit smoking and eat balanced nutritious meals.

Taking drugs. Drugs such as: assildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil or Levitra, or tadalafil (Cialis).

Injecting medications into the corpora cavernosae and intraurethral suppositories.

Use of vacuum constrictive devices for the penis.

Penile prosthesis.

Adjusting your medications. Many drugs that are used in treating hypertension, diabetes mellitus, depression and high blood lipids can add to severity of ED. Drugs for hypertension include: beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor enzyme blockers.