Erectile dysfunction (ED), or impotence as it is also known, is the inability of a man to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for his sexual needs or the needs of his partner.

Most men experience occasional erectile dysfunction at some point in their lives and are not negatively affected by it. Some men, however, experience frequent or chronic ED which can cause emotional and relationship problems; often leading to diminished self-esteem. Incidence of the disorder increases with age. Chronic erectile dysfunction affects about 5% of men in their 40's and 15 - 25% of men by the age of 65. Transient ED and inadequate erections affect as many as 50% of men between the ages of 40 and 70. However, as most causes of erectile dysfunction are treatable, the problem is not of major consequence.

What causes Erectile Dysfunction?

Until recently, Erectile Dysfunction was thought to be a psychological issue for men, related with performance anxiety. However, now we know that there are many physical and psychological causes of erectile dysfunction.

Physical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, alcoholism and atherosclerosis, account for as many as 75% of chronic ED cases. Correspondingly, psychological factors including stress, anxiety and depression account for 25% of cases.

The choices we make in life can lead to degeneration of the erectile tissue and the development of Erectile Dysfunction. Smoking, drug or alcohol abuse, particularly over a long period of time, will compromise the blood vessels of the penis.

Lack of exercise and a sedentary lifestyle will contribute to the development of Erectile Dysfunction. Correction of these conditions will contribute to overall health and may in some individuals correct mild Erectile Dysfunction.

What happens during an erection?

Achieving and maintaining an erection is an intricate process, with many psychological and physical aspects that can cause Erectile Dysfunction. Upon arousal, the brain sends signals to the vascular system, which directs blood flow to the penis. Arteries in the penis supply blood to erectile tissues, which become engorged and expand as a result of increased blood flow. As the cavernosal bodies fill up with blood, they squash the veins within the penis against the inner membrane of the shaft. Blood is then trapped within these blood vessels, which makes the penis hard and erect.

How is Erectile Dysfunction diagnosed?

For most patients, the diagnosis will require a simple medical history.

Most patients do not require extensive testing before they can begin treatment. The choice of testing and treatment depends on the goals of the individual.

If erection returns with simple treatment like oral medication and the patient is satisfied, no further diagnosis is necessary.

If the initial treatment response is inadequate or the patient is not satisfied, then further steps may be taken. In general, as more invasive treatment options are chosen, testing may be more complex
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How is Erectile Dysfunction treated?

The first line of therapy for uncomplicated Impotence is use of oral medications known as phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE-5) -- sildenafil citrate, vardenafil HCl or tadalafil.

Men with Erectile Dysfunction take these pills before beginning sexual activity and the drugs boost the natural signals that are generated during sex, thereby improving and prolonging the erection itself. These medications are safe and fairly effective, with improvement in erection in nearly 80 percent of patients using these drugs.

Early concerns about possible bad effects on the heart have not proven true; after extensive testing and five years of use, sildenafil citrate can be used safely by all heart patients except those using medications called nitrates because of an interaction between these two classes of drugs.

The side effects of PDE-5 inhibitors are mild and usually transient, decreasing in intensity with continued use. The most common side effects are headache, stuffy nose, flushing and muscle aches. In rare cases, sildenafil can cause blue-green shading of vision due to high blood levels of sildenafil exerting a brief effect on the retina of the eye. This is not a long-term ris, it stops within a short time as the amount of sildenafil in the blood decreases.

How do I get treatment?

There are a number of prescription drugs available to help with Erectile Dysfunction. To obtain treatment you should consult your Doctor or complete our online consultation form. As a responsible website, we only offer treatments once a private consultation has been completed. The consultation is free and there is no obligation to buy any of the treatments that may be suggested.