| Erectile dysfunction (ED), also called impotence, is the inability to attain or sustain an erection until ejaculation. Erectile dysfunction is different from other conditions that interfere with sexual intercourse, such as desire and orgasmic disorders.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) varies in severity: some men suffer from a total inability to achieve an erection, others have an irregular ability to achieve an erection, and still others can sustain only short-term erections. The variations in severity of erectile dysfunction make it hard to estimate its frequency. Many men are also unwilling to talk about this sexual dysfunction with their medical practitioners, and therefore the condition is under-diagnosed. However, according to estimates, 30 million men in the USA suffer from ED.
While erectile dysfunction can occur at any age, it is uncommon in young males and more common in the elderly. By the age of 45, most men have dealt with erectile dysfunction at least some of the time. Nevertheless, if the problem becomes chronic, it can have adversely influence relationships, emotional health, and self-esteem.
In the recent years, the medical perspective on the causes of impotence has altered. People once believed that impotence was commonly caused by psychological factors. Today doctors suppose that up to 85% of ED cases are caused by medical or physical factors, such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, nerve damage and other health conditions. Some of the remedies used to treat these medical conditions can also trigger ED. Only 15% are totally psychologically related causes. They include anxiety, depression, tension, and problems in relationships. At times ED is brought on by a mixture of physical and psychological problems. Life-style can adversely impact on males' sexual health and virility, too. Heavy smokers, alcohol addicts are at higher risk of developing the disease.
Progress in medicine has increased the number of methods available to cure male sexual dysfunction with no damage to health. Drug therapy of PDE5 inhibitors is the top treatment for erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra) and tadalafil (Cialis) are the three medications sanctioned for treatment of impotence in males.
The blue little pills were initially invented to cure vascular disorders and prevent heart attacks. It was concluded that the pills could relax blood vessels. Angina or chest pain was believed to relieve if more red blood cells carrying oxygen were delivered to heart muscle cells via the dilated coronary arteries. Not only were cardiac arteries dilated, but so were blood vessels in other places. This side effect was taken into consideration when remedies for ED were being invented.
Alongside the drug therapy, there are other treatments. The cause of ED and a man's life-style determine the treatment a doctor chooses. |
