What is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is the inability to get or keep an erection firm while having sex. Having erection trouble from time to time is not necessarily a cause for concern. It is also referred as ED or male impotence. ED is sometimes called impotence, but that word is being used less often so that it won't be confused with other, non-medical meanings of the term.



The Latin term "impotentia coeundi" describes simple inability to insert the penis in to the vagina. It is now mostly replaced by more exact terms. Erectile dysfunction is indicated when an erection is consistently difficult or impossible to produce, despite arousal. There is various and often multiple underlying causes, a quantity of which are treatable medical conditions.

The most important organic causes are heart issues and diabetes, neurological issues (for example, trauma from prostatectomy surgical procedure), hormonal insufficiencies (hypogonadism) & drug side effects. It is important to recognize that Erectile dysfunction can signal underlying risk for heart issues.




There is often a contributing and complicating, and sometimes, a primary psychological or relational issue. Psychological impotence is where erection or penetration fails due to thoughts or feelings (psychological reasons) than physical impossibility; this can often be helped. Notably in psychological impotence, there is a powerful response to placebo treatment.

Erectile dysfunction, tied closely as it is to cultural notions of potency, success and masculinity, can have extreme psychological consequences. There is a powerful culture of silence & inability to discuss the matter. In point of fact, it is been estimated that around 1 in 10 men will experience recurring impotence issues at some point in their lives.





Besides treating the underlying causes and psychological consequences, the first line treatment of Erectile dysfunction consists of a trial of PDE5 inhibitor drugs (the first of which was Sildenafil or Viagra). In some cases, treatment can involve prostaglandin tablets in the urethra, intracavernous injections with a fine needle in to the penis that cause swelling, a penile prosthesis, a penis pump or vascular reconstructive surgical procedure.


What causes ED?

ED usually has a physical cause, such as illness, injury, or side effects of drugs. Any disorder that causes injury to the nerves or impairs blood flow in the penis has the potential to cause ED.

Because an erection requires a exact sequence of events, ED can occur when any of the events is disrupted. The sequence includes nerve impulses in the brain, spinal column, and areas around the penis, and response in muscles, fibrous tissues, veins, and arteries in and near the corpora cavernosa.

Damage to nerves, arteries, smooth muscles, and fibrous tissues, often because of illness, is the most common cause of ED. Diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, nerve illness or nerve destroy, multiple sclerosis, atherosclerosis, and heart disease�account for all of ED cases. Patients ought to be thoroughly evaluated for these conditions before they start any kind of treatment for ED.





Lifestyle choices that contributes to heart illness and vascular issues also raise the risk of having ED. Smoking, drinking alcohol excessively, being fat, and not exercising are feasible causes of ED. Surgery especially radical prostate and bladder surgical procedure for cancer�can also injure nerves and arteries near the penis, causing ED. Injury to the penis, spinal cord, prostate, bladder, and pelvis can lead to ED by harming nerves, smooth muscles, arteries, and the fibrous tissues of the corpora cavernosa.

In addition, ED can be a side effect of lots of common medicines such as blood pressure drugs, antihistamines, antidepressants, tranquilizers, appetite suppressants, and cimetidine, an ulcer drug. Even when ED has a physical cause, psychological factors may make the condition worse. Psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, guilt, depression, low self-esteem, and fear of sexual failure can also cause ED. Hormonal abnormalities, such as low levels of testosterone, are a less frequent cause of ED.

» Read More...