Cure Erectile Dysfunction

General Sexual Health Information
Erectile dysfunction, also known as “impotence," is the repeated inability to

get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects the lives of many middle-aged men and their
partners to one extent or another. The term erectile dysfunction, previously
known as impotence, covers a wide range of disorders, but usually refers to
the inability of a man to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient enough to
fulfill his own sexual needs or those of his partner.
As men age, it's quite normal to experience changes in 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 ejaculate reduces and refractory period between
erections increases. An occasional episode of erectile dysfunction happens to
most men but they are not psychologically affected by it
Some men, however, experience chronic and complete erectile dysfunction,

while others have the ability to achieve partial or brief erections. Frequent
erectile dysfunction can cause emotional and relationship problems, which
often lead to low self-esteem. Erectile dysfunction has many causes, most of
which are treatable, and is not an inevitable consequence of aging. Although
erectile dysfunction is more common in men older than 40, it can occur at any
age.
Symptoms of ED
Erectile dysfunction can be classified into the following patterns:
- Occasional inability to achieve a full erection

- Inability to maintain an erection during sexual intercourse
- Complete inability to achieve an erection
The Anatomy of the Penis

The penis consists of two cylindrical, sponge-like vascular tissue bodies
(corpora cavernosa) that run along its length, parallel to the urethra - the tube
that expells semen and urine. Also present are the erectile tissue surrounding
the urethra, two main arteries and several veins and nerves. The longest part
of the penis is the shaft, at the end of which is the head (glans penis). The
opening at the tip of the glans is the meatus, which allows for urination and
ejaculation.
1
The Mechanism of an Erection
When a man is sexually aroused, nerve impulses lead to a relaxing action and
cause about a seven-fold increase in the blood flow to these cylinders. This
sudden influx of blood expands the sponge-like chambers and produces an
erection by straightening, elongating and stiffening the penis. Continued
sexual excitation maintains this rush of blood, keeping the erection firm. After
ejaculation, or when the sexual excitation ceases, the excess blood drains out
of the spongy tissue, and the penis returns to its flaccid state.
The Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

If something affects any of the above factors that lead to a full erection, or the
delicate balance among them, erectile dysfunction may result. Erectile
dysfunction may have physical as well as nonphysical causes.
Physical Causes
Physical causes account for about 80% cases of erectile dysfunction and may
include:
- Diabetic neuropathy - nerve damage from chronic diabetes

- Cardiovascular disorders that might affect blood supply to the pelvis
- Certain prescription medications available in the market
- Operations e.g. removal of the prostate gland
- Fractures that might injure the spinal cord
- Hormonal disorders
- Multiple sclerosis
- Alcoholism or other forms of drug abuse
Nonphysical causes
Nonphysical causes may account for the remaining 20% cases of impotence
observed. These may include:
- Psychological problems - stress, anxiety, fatigue and depression.

- Negative feelings - resentment, hostility or lack of interest exhibited by any
of the two partners.
The physical and nonphysical causes of ED generally tend to interact. A minor

physical problem that slows sexual responses may cause anxiety about
attaining an erection and this anxiety in turn can worsen erectile dysfunction.
2
Risk factors as a result of Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction may be one of the first signs of an underlying medical

problem. A wide variety of physical and emotional risk factors can contribute
to erectile dysfunction.
- Physical diseases and disorders: Chronic diseases of the lungs, liver,

kidneys, heart, nerves, arteries/ veins, disorders of the endocrine system,
diabetes can lead to ED. The accumulation of plaques in arteries
(atherosclerosis) can prevent adequate amount of blood from entering the
penis. Erectile dysfunction may be caused by reduced levels of the
testosterone hormone in some men.
- Surgery or trauma: Damage to the nerves that control erections can cause
ED. Such damage may result from an injury to the pelvic area or the spinal
cord. Surgery to treat bladder, rectal or prostate cancer also can result in ED.
Prolonged bicycle riding also can cause a temporary erectile problem.
- Medications: A wide range of drugs such as antidepressants,

antihistamines, painkillers and medications to treat high blood pressure and
prostate cancer can cause ED by obstructing proper functioning of nerve
impulses or blood supply to the penis. Tranquilizers and sleeping aids also
may pose a problem.
- Substance abuse: Chronic use of alcohol, marijuana or other drugs often

causes ED and a decrease in sexual drive. Excessive tobacco use may
damage penile arteries and thus contribute to ED.
- Stress, anxiety or depression: Psychological conditions also contribute to

some cases of erectile dysfunction.
Occurrence and Prevalence of Erectile Dysfunction
Because of the various definitions attributed to ED, estimating the incidence of

cases becomes a little difficult. According to the National Institutes of Health
(NIH) in 2002, an estimated 15 - 30 million men in the US suffer from chronic
erectile dysfunction. According to the National Ambulatory Medical Care
Survey (NAMCS) in 1999, around 22 of every 1000 men in the US sought
medical attention for ED.
Incidence of erectile dysfunction increases with progressing age. Chronic ED

affects about 5% of men in their 40s and 15–25% of men around the age of
65. Temporary ED and incomplete erection affect up to 50% of men between
40 and 70 years of age.
Diseases like diabetes, kidney disease, alcoholism and atherosclerosis

account for as high as 70% of chronic ED cases while psychological factors
3
such as stress, anxiety and depression may account for about 10 – 20% of
the total number of cases. Around 35-50% of men suffering from diabetes
also experience ED.
Diagnosis of Erectile Dysfunction
Initially the physician conducts a thorough investigation to determine how and

when the disorder was developed; and if other physical conditions exist and
prepares a checklist of medications used, if any. Physical and emotional
situations are also discussed, because a noteworthy number of ED cases can
be traced to psychological origins. If an apparent physical cause is suspected,
blood tests are first taken to check male hormone levels and also to eliminate
a list of potential diseases such as diabetes. Additional specialized clinical
tests may also be done
Penile nerve function: Determines adequacy of nerve sensation in the penis

Duplex Ultrasound: Assesses adequacy of arterial circulation in the penis.
Nocturnal Penile Tumescence (NPT): Measures changes in penile rigidity and
girth during nocturnal erections. Cavernosometry: Measures vascular
pressure in the penis.
Measures to Reduce The Chances of Erectile Dysfunction
Although most men experience episodes of erectile dysfunction from time to

time, the following steps may be taken to decrease the likelihood of ED
occurrences:
- Limited use of alcohol and similar substances.

- No Smoking.
- Regular exercise.
- Stress, anxiety and depression management.
- Sound sleep.
- Regular checkups and medical screening tests.
Coping with Erectile Dysfunction

Whether the resulting disorder has physical or psychological origins or a
combination of both, ED can become a source of mental and emotional stress
for both the man and his partner. If you experience ED occasionally, do not
assume that you have a permanent problem or expect it to occur again during
your next sexual encounter. Don't consider one episode of erectile dysfunction
as a lasting comment on your masculinity, virility or general health.
If you experience occasional or persistent ED, remember that it is important to

reassure your partner that your inability to have an erection is not a sign of
diminished sexual desire. Try to communicate openly and honestly with your
partner about your condition and strengthen the relationship you share with
4
her. Couples may also want to seek counseling to deal with any concerns
they may have regarding ED and to learn how to discuss their feelings with
each other. Good communication must be maintained throughout the
diagnosis and treatment process. In fact, treatment is often more successful if
the couple works together as a team.

Cure Erectile Dysfunction

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Cure Erectile Dysfunction

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Cure Erectile Dysfunction

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

General Sexual Health Information

Erectile dysfunction, also known as “impotence," is the repeated inability to

As men age, it's quite normal to experience changes in erectile function.

Some men, however, experience chronic and complete erectile dysfunction,

Erectile dysfunction can be classified into the following patterns:

- Occasional inability to achieve a full erection

The Anatomy of the Penis

The Mechanism of an Erection

The Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

- Diabetic neuropathy - nerve damage from chronic diabetes

- Psychological problems - stress, anxiety, fatigue and depression.

The physical and nonphysical causes of ED generally tend to interact. A minor

Risk factors as a result of Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction may be one of the first signs of an underlying medical

- Physical diseases and disorders: Chronic diseases of the lungs, liver,

- Medications: A wide range of drugs such as antidepressants,

- Substance abuse: Chronic use of alcohol, marijuana or other drugs often

- Stress, anxiety or depression: Psychological conditions also contribute to

Occurrence and Prevalence of Erectile Dysfunction

Because of the various definitions attributed to ED, estimating the incidence of

Incidence of erectile dysfunction increases with progressing age. Chronic ED

Diseases like diabetes, kidney disease, alcoholism and atherosclerosis

Diagnosis of Erectile Dysfunction

Initially the physician conducts a thorough investigation to determine how and

Penile nerve function: Determines adequacy of nerve sensation in the penis

Measures to Reduce The Chances of Erectile Dysfunction

Although most men experience episodes of erectile dysfunction from time to

- Limited use of alcohol and similar substances.

Coping with Erectile Dysfunction

If you experience occasional or persistent ED, remember that it is important to

You might also like