Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is a condition in men where the person finds difficulty in keeping an erection firm during the sexual intercourse. Erectile dysfunction is often referred as "impotence". However, impotence may also be used to describe other sexual problems such as lack of sexual desire, problem with ejaculation or orgasm. However, erectile dysfunction is primarily associated with inability to achieve erection. Although erectile dysfunction can occur at any age, it is very common in men older than 65 years of age. If the erectile dysfunction is experienced occasionally, it is considered as normal. But, when the condition reoccurs frequently, it may lead to affect sexual life of an individual. Men with erectile dysfunction also noticed that orgasms are less intense, the volume of ejaculate is reduced and recovery time increases between erections. Today, experts are gaining better understanding of causes and finding new and better treatments for erectile dysfunction in men.

Symptoms

Three most common symptoms found in men with erectile dysfunction are:

• Inability to obtain a complete erection.
• Trouble keeping the erection during sexual intercourse.
• Complete inability to achieve an erection.

Riskfactor

Erection in men's reproductive organ called "penis" is observed through:

• Arousal which is obtained from the senses of sight, touch, hearing and smell and from thoughts.
• Nervous system responses that involves communication between the brain and the sexual excitation of the body's nervous system. This communication helps in activating blood flow to the penis.
• Blood vessel response which is responsible for penis erection as a result of blood flow through the shafts.

Erectile dysfunction is observed if any of the above factors are affected. Nonphysical causes such as stress, anxiety, lack of interest or fatigue may also contribute to erectile dysfunction. Some of the physical causes that may lead to this condition are:

• Nerve damage as a result of diabetes.
• Cardiovascular and hormonal disorders.
• Prostrate cancer operations.
• Multiple sclerosis.
• Excessive intake of alcohol and other form of drug abuse.
• Certain medications.

Treatment

rectile dysfunction can be treated through various ways. The choice of treatment depends on various factors such as severity of the condition, expenditure and personal preference. Before undergoing any treatment, you must have a open talk with a doctor regarding the erectile dysfunction. Some of the oral medications used for treating erectile dysfunction are:

• Sildenafil (Viagra)
• Tadalfil (Cialis)
• Vardenafil (Levitra)

These medications help in increasing the amount of blood that results in natural erection process. However, these drugs shall not be used without consulting a doctor as they are also associated with side effects. Use of simple mechanical devices like vacuum devices is also used to treat erectile disorder. Some of the surgeries and therapies that can prove beneficial for treating erectile dysfunction are:

• Needle-injection therapy
• Self-administered intraurethral therapy
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Vascular surgery and
• Penile implants

Psychological counseling alone can help in treating erectile dysfunction, if it is caused because of stress, fatigue and anxiety.

Prevention

Some of the common preventive measures that men can take to reduce the occurrence of erectile dysfunction are:

• Avoid excessive intake of alcohol and other drug abuse.
• Avoid smoking.
• Regular exercise.
• Reduce anxiety, stress and depression.
• Get enough sleep.