Erectile Dysfunction in Men
Introduction
Erectile dysfunction (aka impotence) is the inability to achieve and sustain a strong erection for a satisfactory sexual intercourse. Men often suffer from transient erectile dysfunction when they are anxious or stressed. The short-lived problems of erections may resolve spontaneously. Erectile dysfunction when characterized by persistent or progressive loss of strength of erection requires medical attention.
What causes a erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is common problem in men and gets even more common with old age. Majority of men who suffer from erectile dysfunction have no known cause. Often ED is associated with psychological or stressful circumstances at home or at work. It requires the understanding of both sexual partners to support each other.
Common causes of ED include prolonged history of smoking, alcohol and drug abuse, and high blood pressure. Other causes of ED include diseases that affect the nerves or the hormones in your body. Surgical removal of the prostate is also associated with ED.
What are the options of treatment for erectile dysfunction?
ED that is caused by psychological and social stress is best treated by a sex therapist. The therapist helps the partners to identify and resolve the causes of anxiety that may undermine their sexual relationship. The physical form of ED, which is related to aging, high blood pressure, and diabetes, is often treated in a stepwise manner.
You doctor will give you a prescription for medications that increases the strength of erection. Alternatively your doctor will train you to inject your self with medication that strengthens your erection. Some individuals require the combination of the pills and the injection to achieve adequate erection.
If you develop prolonged erection (more than 3 to 4 hours) after using the injection, you need to report back to your doctors immediately. Prolonged erection can permanently damage the penis.
If the treatments above fail, then your doctor will recommend for you other options which include: vacuum devices, or surgery for the placement of artificial implant for the penis.
What can I do to prevent ED?
Treatment of ED is expensive. Prevention is thus very important. Measures to prevent ED include:
- Avoidance or cessation of cigarette smoking
- Avoidance of excessive alcohol consumption
- Good control of blood sugar in diabetes mellitus
- Good control of blood pressure for those suffering from hypertension
What to expect during penile implant surgery?
Surgery for ED is often the last resort and has to be fully discussed by both sexual partners. It involves inserting artificial tubes to replace the non-function natural tubes that work to cause erection.
What are the risks and complications of surgery for ED?Surgery for ED that involves placement of artificial implant has risks that include: infection of the implant that may necessitate the removal of the implant. In addition, the implant themselves wear out over time and may require replacement.