Erectile Dysfunction
Overview
Erectile dysfunction also known as ED
is now becoming a disorder that affects the lives of
many men. The term Erectile Dysfunction covers a range
of disorders, but usually refers to the inability to
obtain an adequate erection for satisfactory sexual
intercourse.
Although Erectile Dysfunction, formerly called impotence,
is more common in men older than 65, as it can occur
at any age. An occasional episode of Erectile Dysfunction
happens to most men and is a normal occurrence. As men
progress in age, it's normal to experience changes in
their erectile function. Erections may take longer to
develop, may not be as rigid or may require more direct
stimulation to be achieved. Men may also notice that
orgasms are less intense, the volume of ejaculation
is reduced and recovery time between erections increases.
When Erectile Dysfunction proves to be a persistent
problem, it can interfere with a man's self-image as
well as his and his partner's sexual life. Erectile
Dysfunction may also be a sign of a physical or emotional
problem that requires treatment.
Normally, an erection occurs when your imagination
or one or more senses like vision, hearing, touch, smell
and taste are stimulated and you become aroused. For
a normal erection a properly functioning nervous system
is necessary. The central nervous system sends nerve
impulses that increase the blood flowing to your penis.
An intact system of blood vessels works which carries
blood to and from the penis and helps in maintaining
an erection. The nerves send a message to the arteries
that enhance the flow of blood to the penis. When in
a state of arousal, normal smooth muscles in the penis
relax so that the penis can fill with blood and enlarge.
Once in the penis, high blood pressure traps the blood
that causes penis to extant leading to erection.
Signs and symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction
- Complete inability to achieve an erection
- Inability to maintain an erection throughout the
intercourse till the end
- The inability to penetrate your partner and loose
erection at some point during sex
- Lack of satisfaction during sex
Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
Psychological causes
The most common causes are stress, anxiety and fatigue.
Impotence is also an occasional side effect of psychological
problems such as depression. Feelings that you express
toward your sexual partner or that expressed by your
sexual partner can be a factor contributing towards
Erectile Dysfunction. These feelings may include resentment,
hostility or lack of interest.
Physical causes of Erectile Dysfunction
Physical causes account for many cases of erectile dysfunction
and may include:
- Nerve damage from longstanding diabetes (diabetic
neuropathy)
- Cardiovascular disorders affecting the blood supply
to the pelvis
- Certain prescription medications
- Operations for cancer of the prostate
- Fractures that injure the spinal cord
- Multiple sclerosis
- Hormonal disorders
- Alcoholism and other forms of drug abuse
In fact, erectile dysfunction may be one of the first
signs of an underlying medical problem.
Erectile dysfunction Diagnosis
Ultrasonography is a test to determine the adequacy
of arterial circulation in your genital organs. Ultrasonography
involves using a wand-like device called transducer
held over the blood vessels that supply blood to the
penis. The transducer emits sound waves that pass through
body tissues and reflect back, producing an image if
your blood flow is impaired. The test often is done
before and after injection of medication to see if there's
an improvement in blood flow.
Neurologic evaluation is done by the doctor who will
assess possible nerve damage by conducting a physical
examination to test for normal touch sensation in your
genital area.
Cavernosometry is a test that measures penile vascular
pressure. Cavernosography involves injecting a dye into
your blood vessels that permits your doctor to view
any possible abnormalities in blood flow into and out
of your penis.
Medications for treatment of Erectile Dysfunction/ED
Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE-5 inhibitors) are
effective drugs given at least an hour before you plan
to be sexually active. PDE-5 inhibitors will result
in an erection only if you are sexually stimulated.
They include Viagra, Tadalafil (Cialis), and Vardenafil
(Levitra).
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Viagra
in 1998, and it became the first oral medication for
Erectile Dysfunction. After that, Levitra and Cialis
have also been approved, providing more options for
oral therapy.
Viagra, Levitra and Cialis work in much the same way.
These drugs enhance the effects of nitric oxide, a chemical
messenger that relaxes smooth muscles in the penis.
This increases the amount of blood and allows a natural
sequence to occur in response to sexual stimulation.
They allow an erection to occur after physical and psychological
stimulation.
Coping skills for Erectile Dysfunction
- Try talking with your partner so as to assure her
that its not something by choice and you still love
her
- Try to consult a doctor for professional advise
- Maintain communication throughout your problem
so as to stay closer to each other
- Do not get depressed as it is something that can
be treated
Erectile Dysfunction interferes with sexual intercourse
leading to lack of sexual desire and problems with ejaculation
and orgasm. However, with proper care and treatment
on time, it is possible to deal with ED. With new discoveries
in medicines, ED can be dealt in a much better way.
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