What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, refers to the inability to get and maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. ED is a common condition affecting roughly 30 million men in the United States.
Causes
ED can be caused by both physiological and psychological factors including:
- Vascular diseases - Conditions like atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and high blood pressure can reduce blood flow to the penis making it difficult to get an erection.
- Diabetes - Over time high blood sugar from diabetes can damage nerves and blood vessels involved in erections.
- Obesity - Being overweight causes fat deposits in the arteries which can restrict blood flow.
- Medications - Certain prescription drugs including some antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and antihistamines can make achieving an erection difficult.
- Injuries - Injuries to the prostate, bladder, spinal cord, or penis can cause nerve damage leading to ED.
- Lifestyle choices - Smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, and illegal drug use are strongly linked with ED.
- Mental health issues - Conditions like depression, anxiety, and stress can interfere with sexual arousal.
Treatments
Treatments for erectile dysfunction include:
- Medications - Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors like Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra are very effective ED drugs working for most men.
- Penis pumps - Use vacuum pressure to pull blood into the penis and help produce an erection.
- Penile implants - Surgically implanted rods inflated with a pump provide rigidity for intercourse.
- Lifestyle changes - Quitting smoking, losing weight, limiting alcohol, and reducing stress can alleviate ED symptoms.
The good news is ED is highly treatable through various medical solutions. Consulting a doctor to identify underlying causes and discuss treatment options is advised. With some effort most men are able to overcome ED challenges and regain satisfying sex lives.