Erectile dysfunction is a condition in which a man is unable to maintain enough firmness in his penis to perform sexual intercourse. The condition is also referred to as impotence, however that is inaccurate, for "impotence" refers to any condition which inhibits sexual performance, which can include problems with organs, ejaculation, or even sexual interest. The term erectile dysfunction, refers only to problems attaining, or maintaining an actual erection. It is estimated that between fifty and thirty million American mens suffer from erectile dysfunction, or ED, to some degree. This can include those who suffer the complete inability to have an erection to those who suffer only occasionally and those who are able to attain, but not maintain an effective erection About five percent of men over forty and between fifteen and twenty-five percent of 65 plus year old men suffer from erectile dysfunction. It is not necessarily an inevitability and it is treatable at any age.
An erection is the result of an exact sequence of events, involving the brain, spinal chord, fibrous tissues, veins, and arteries. Any disruption in the sequence can cause ED. Tissue damage, including damage to the nervous system accounts for the majority (70%) of ED experiences. These conditions are often the result of diseases like diabetes, multiple sclerosis, atherosclerosis, kidney disease, or any illness resulting in vascular or neurological damage. Smoking, alcoholism, exercise avoidance and excess body fat are known also to be causes of erectile dysfunction.
Damage to, or surgery involving the penis, prostate, bladder, spinal chord and pelvis are all common causes, as are common prescription medicines for blood pressure, allergy, depression, anxiety, and ulcers. A person's state of mind can also be a factor. Stress, anxiety guilt, depression and low self-esteem are common contributors to erectile dysfunction, as are hormonal changes, including a lowering of testosterone levels. Erectile function is generally treatable. For those with psychological factors, psychotherapy is employed.
ED caused by drugs can be relieved by the lowering of dosage, or altering prescriptions. Lifestyle changes may also return a man to a normal sexual life. For many, the use of phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors. such as Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis, taken about an hour before sexual activity have proven to be very helpful. However, some men, for a variety of reasons cannot take PDE.
For those people vacuum devices are available and for some surgical implantation can be a radical, but viable option. Advances in research into suppositories, implants, vacuum devices and medications are continuing to expand the options for men suffering from erectile dysfunction. Hope is on the horizon.
About the Author:
Robert Houts has, over the past thirty years, invented a variety of products. His latest invention, available at http://paragonrd.com, offers relief to men who suffer from erectile dysfunction. The Paragon Solo was created because sexual release, orgasm is still possible without an erection.
