Erectile Dysfunction - Causes and Cures
Erectile Dysfunction, also called impotence or ED, is the inability of a man to achieve or maintain an erection. All men experience this at one time or another. The causes vary widely, from stress and anxiety to high blood pressure and diabetes.
There are physical and psychological causes of erectile dysfunction. Reduced blood flow to the penis and nerve damage are the most common physical causes. Underlying conditions associated with erectile dysfunction include the following:
Psychological
Stress and anxiety, guilt and depression all contribute to loss of sex drive and erectile dysfunction. If a man experiences loss of erection one time, he may then worry that it will happen again. This can create anxiety and fear of inadequate performance and may lead to chronic problems during sex. A cycle of increased anxiety follows, and could result in impotence. Psychological factors in impotence are often secondary to physical causes.
Diabetes
High blood sugar levels associated with diabetes can cause damage to small blood vessels and nerves, which can in turn impair blood flow and nerve impulses necessary for an erection. Diabetes causes impotence problems in about 60% of men.
Vascular Disease
The hardening and narrowing of the arteries, called arteriosclerosis, can lead to impotence by reduced blood flow to the penis. This accounts for 50% to 60% of the impotence in men over age 60. Risk factors for arteriosclerosis include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and smoking.
Drugs
Many prescribed and over-the-counter drugs are known to contribute to ED. Heart medications, antidepressants, tranquilizers, sedatives and drugs to treat high blood pressure to name a few. Long term use of alcohol and drugs can affect vessels and the nervous system which contribute to impotence.
Hormone Disorders
Hormone disorders such as Testosterone deficiency or hormone imbalances can cause loss of erection or loss of sexual desire, however, this occurs in less than 5% of cases.
Treatment
Therapy is excellent for overcoming ED when the causes are psychological. Qualified therapists work with couples to improve sexual communication, reduce tension, and talk through problems that may be causing the issue.
Oral medications available today have been very successful in treating erectile dysfunction. These selective enzyme inhibitors can be taken once a day to treat ED. These work by causing the smooth muscles of the penis to relax, allowing blood to flow in, vastly improving erections. Three of the most popular medications are Viagra®, Levitra®, and Cialis®. Viagra® is processed quickly by the body and is usually taken 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity. It is successful in over 75% of men. Levitra® works quickly with consistent results. It has been proven to improve sexual function in most men the first time they take Levitra®. Studies also show it is effective in men of all ages, and in patients with diabetes. Clinical studies show Cialis® stays in the body longer then other selective enzyme inhibitors, promoting erection within 30 minutes and contributing to erection for up to 36 hours.
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