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What is Erectile Dysfunction (Impotence)?

  • Writer: generic street
    generic street
  • Jan 25, 2020
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jan 31, 2020

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or sustain an erection strong necessary for sexual intercourse.


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Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or sustain an erection strong necessary for sexual intercourse. It is sometimes referred to as impotence although this term is less commonly used now.


It’s not unusual to sometimes ed. Most men experience this during stressful times. Nonetheless, regular ED can be a symptom of health problems that require treatment. It can also be a sign of emotional or relationship problems which a specialist may need to tackle.


What causes an erection?

ED may occur at any stage of the erection process, due to problems. An erection is a result of increased blood flow to your penis. Blood flow is usually stimulated either through sexual thoughts or through direct contact with the penis.


When a man becomes sexually aroused, the penile muscles relax. It makes an increased blood flow through the penile arteries, filling the penis with two chambers. When blood fills the chambers the penis becomes erect.


An erection ends when muscles contract and the blood that has accumulated can flow through the penile veins.


Erectile dysfunction causes

There are many possible causes of ED, and both emotional and physical conditions may be involved. Different causes encompass:


cardiovascular diseasediabeteshypertension, or high blood pressurehigh cholesterolobesitylow testosterone levels or other hormone imbalancesrelationship problemscertain prescription medications, such as those used to treat high blood pressure or depressionkidney diseaseincreased agestressanxietydepressionsleep disordersdrug useconsuming too much alcoholusing tobacco productscertain health conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis (MS)damage to the pelvic area through injury or surgeryPeyronie’s disease, which causes scar tissue to develop in the penis


ED can be caused by just one or several of these factors. That’s why working with your doctor is important, so they can rule out or treat any underlying medical conditions.


Erectile dysfunction treatment

Treatment for ED will depend on the cause that underlies it. A combination of treatments, including medication, or talk therapy, may need to be used.


Medications

sildenafil (Kamagra) tadalafil (Tadacip) avanafil (Stendra) vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn)


Another medication that can be used for treating ED is Alprostadil (Caverject, Edex, MUSE). It can be given in two ways: as a suppository to the penile or as a self-injection on the base or side of the penis.

Testosterone therapy (TRT) may also be recommended when you have low testosterone levels.

Medicines used to treat certain conditions may cause ED. Talk to your doctor about your medications and if they may cause symptoms. Then there may be others you can take. Never stop taking medication before talking to your doctor first.


Talk therapy

A number of psychological factors can cause ED, including:

stressanxietypost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)depression

When you have clinical ED, talk therapy can be of use. You and your psychiatrist will discuss over several sessions:


major stress or anxiety factorsyour feelings around sexsubconscious conflicts that could be affecting your sexual well-being

When ED affects the relationship, consider considering talking to a counselor for the relationship. Relationship counseling can emotionally help you and your partner bond, which may also support your ED. Explore how stress and anxiety impact ED.


Vacuum pumps

This technique uses vacuum energy to induce an erection. As the tool is used, blood is drawn into the penis which leads to an erection.


A vacuum pump unit is composed of several components:


a plastic tube, which you place over your penisa pump, which works to create the vacuum by drawing air out of the plastic tubean elastic ring, which you’ll move to the base of your penis as you remove the plastic tube


The elastic ring works to maintain the erection, to preserve the blood in the penis and to prevent it from returning to circulation. It may stay in place for 30 minutes. Read more on and how to use the vacuum pumps.


Erectile dysfunction symptoms

You may have ED if you regularly have:

trouble getting an erectiondifficulty maintaining an erection during sexual activitiesreduced interest in sex


Other sexual disorders related to ED include:

premature ejaculationdelayed ejaculationanorgasmia, or the inability to achieve orgasm after ample stimulation

Talk to your doctor if you have any of those symptoms, especially if they last for 3 months or longer. They will help determine whether an underlying condition needing medication is causing the symptoms.



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