Erectile dysfunction (ED) occurs when a man can’t achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity. It can have a significant impact on a man’s life and his sexual relationship.
The condition can be caused by a number of factors. These include aging, hormones, blood flow problems and certain medications.
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is a problem that occurs when a man can’t get or keep an erection. It can be an embarrassing problem, but it can also be a sign of an underlying health condition that needs treatment.
A number of prescription drugs can cause ED, including blood pressure medications and anti-arrhythmics (pills that slow the heart rate). In addition to these types of medication, a few other substances can affect hormones or nerves that lead to erectile dysfunction. Other ED Medicine like:
There are several tests that your doctor can use to diagnose erectile dysfunction. These include the NPTR test, an injection test and dynamic infusion cavernosometry.
During this test, a fluid is pumped into your penis at a specific rate and pressure. The resulting erection can then be measured to determine how long it lasts and whether it is firm or soft.
Depending on the results of these tests, your doctor can help you decide what treatment is best for you. Some men benefit from counseling and sex therapy, while others need medication or other invasive treatments.
Causes
ED can be caused by a variety of factors. Some of these include health problems and medications affecting your vascular system, nerves or blood circulation.
It can also be caused by changes in your body that affect your ability to get or maintain an erection. These may include weight gain, diabetes, smoking or low blood levels of testosterone (the male hormone).
Your doctor will perform a physical exam and check your sexual history. They may also order tests that help diagnose ED and rule out other conditions.
Many men have occasional trouble getting an erection. But if your problems are frequent or happen more than 20% of the time, it’s important to talk to your doctor about them.
There are several different treatments for ED, including PDE-5 inhibitors, vacuum devices and penile injection therapy. These can be very effective in restoring your ability to get or maintain an erection.
Symptoms
ED symptoms may include an inability to get and keep a firm erection. They might also be a sign of other health problems, like diabetes, heart disease, and low testosterone levels.
A physical exam, including blood and pee tests, can help your doctor identify a cause for ED. Your doctor might ask you to answer a questionnaire about your sex history, health, and sexual habits.
Your doctor might also perform an injection test or an ultrasound to assess your erections and blood flow to your penis. If your erections aren’t getting firm enough, your doctor might suggest medication or talk therapy with a counselor.
Medications, such as sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn), or tadalafil (Cialis, Adcirca), increase blood flow to your penis. They can be taken before sex and help you get a firm erection once you’re sexually excited.
Treatments
Erectile dysfunction is a common problem, with estimates that up to one in 10 men will suffer from it at some time in their lives. It can also be a warning sign of a more serious health condition, such as heart disease or diabetes.
Your GP will often be able to diagnose ED by answering your questions and doing a physical examination. They can also do tests to see how your blood flow is, especially in your arteries (atherosclerosis) and in your veins.
Treatments for ED focus on finding and treating the cause of the problem, whether it is physical or psychological. For example, if the narrowing of your arteries is the cause, your GP will suggest changes in your diet and lifestyle to reduce your risk of heart disease or other cardiovascular problems.
Other ED treatments include oral medications or penile injections that increase blood flow to the penis. While the idea of injecting something into your penis may sound unappealing, many patients are highly satisfied with this therapy.