What is Erectile Dysfunction? | HealthInfi

The term erectile dysfunction has replaced the outdated term impotence. The word “impotence” is no longer used, because it does not give a clear explanation of the problem. Moreover, the use of this term led to an incorrect understanding of this condition. Men suffering from erectile dysfunction are not sterile and they retain the ability to ejaculation and orgasm, as all other men. They also have all the normal male sex characteristics. Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be defined as “inability to achieve and (or) to maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity.”

Most men have problems with achieving and maintaining an erection at some time in their lives, possibly due to excessive stress, receiving large amounts of alcohol, or simply fatigue. However, if this problem persists, it most likely is associated with erectile dysfunction. ED affects 100 million men worldwide and 30 million men in the United States. The study of men’s health showed the overall prevalence of ED, equal to 39% in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Canada, Italy and Spain.

Study IMSM (Massachusetts study on issues of aging men) found that 52% of men aged 40 to 70 years in varying degrees, suffered from erectile dysfunction. A lot of men with erectile dysfunction suffer in silence because they believe that it is artificial problem that they have to put up with her because they grow old or because this problem cannot be resolved.

About  erectile dysfunction (ED)?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse. It’s also sometimes referred to as impotence. Erectile dysfunction (ED) occurs when a man has consistent and repeated problems sustaining an erection. Without treatment, ED can make sexual intercourse difficult. The problem is reported by 1 in 5 men and that number increases with age. Occasional ED isn’t uncommon. Many men experience it during times of stress. Frequent ED can be a sign of health problems that need treatment. It can also be a sign of emotional or relationship difficulties that may need to be addressed by a professional.  A man is considered to have erectile dysfunction if he regularly finds it difficult getting or keeping a firm enough erection to be able to have sex, or if it interferes with other sexual activity. Most men have occasionally experienced some difficulty with their penis becoming hard or staying firm. However, erectile dysfunction is only considered a concern if satisfactory sexual performance has been impossible on a number of occasions for some time.

Broadly, two forms of erectile dysfunction can affect men’s sex lives – the main cause is either medical or psychosocial.

• Medical– these are illnesses or anatomical changes that prevent the penis from becoming or staying erect.
• Psychosocial– this refers to psychological influences on sexual performance; it might include problems within a relationship or stress at work.

It is important to note that there can be overlap between medical and psychosocial causes. For instance, if a man is obese, blood flow changes can affect his ability to maintain an erection (a medical cause); he may also have low self-esteem, which can also impact erectile function (psychosocial cause).

Drug treatments for erectile dysfunction

Men can take a group of drugs called PDE-5 (phosphodiesterase-5) inhibitors.

Most of these pills are taken 30-60 minutes before sex – the best known being the blue-colored pill sildenafil (Viagra). Other options are:

• vardenafil (Levitra)
• tadalafil (taken as a once-daily pill; Cialis)
• avanafil (Stendra)

PDE-5 inhibitors are only available on prescription. A doctor will check for heart conditions and ask about other medications being taken before prescribing.

Side-effects associated with PDE-5 inhibitors include:

• flushing
• visual abnormalities
• hearing loss
• indigestion
• headache

Less commonly used drug options include prostaglandin E1, which is applied locally, into the penis (either injected into it or inserted down the opening into the urethra). Most men prefer a pill, however, so these locally acting drugs tend to be reserved for men who cannot take oral treatment.

Not all male sexual problems are caused by ED. Other types of male sexual dysfunction include:

• premature ejaculation
• delayed or absent ejaculation
• lack of interest in sex

ED vs. Poor Libido

There are several forms of male sexual dysfunction, including poor libido and problems with ejaculation. But ED refers specifically to problems achieving or maintaining an erection. Men with ED often have a healthy libido, yet the body fails to respond. In most cases, there is a physical basis for the problem.Read More