What is erectile dysfunction?
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 interferees with other sexual activity.
Most men have sometimes 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 may 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 anection (a medical cause); he may also have low self-esteem, which can also affect erectile function (psychosocial cause).
What causes erectile dysfunction?--
Normal erectile function can be affected by problems with any of the following systems:
- blood flow
- nerve supply
- hormones
--Treatments for erectile dysfunction--
The good news is that there are many treatments for erectile dysfunction, and most men will find a solution that works for them. Treatments include:
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
- header
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 can not take oral treatment.
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