Erectile dysfunction or ED is one of the medical conditions that have become prevalent among male populations. In a National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) in 1985, it was found that out of 1,000 visits to a physician’s office, 7.7 visits were made for ED. The number of ED cases has gradually increased over the years. Thankfully, many drugs and other  treatment options for ED are now made available. The use of vacuum devices, the introduction of more effective drugs such as sildenafil citrate and the discussions as well as psychotherapy for erectile dysfunction have become more acceptable in the society.

In the past, erectile dysfunction was called impotence. In reality, impotence comes in many forms and caused by many factors and erectile dysfunction is one of them. Today, in medical discussions, the term erectile dysfunction is used just to distinguish the conditions from other problems that are related to impotence.

An erection is brought by sensory or mental stimulations or combinations of both. Brain impulses cause the nerves and muscles in the penis to relax, which allows blood to flow and fill the spaces. At this point, the blood creates pressure that causes the corposa cavernosa or the penis to expand; thereby sustaining erection by trapping the blood in the corpora cavernosa. Hence, the process of achieving and maintaining erection follows a precise sequence of stimulation and body responses involving the brain, spinal column and the area around the penis. It also involves the responses in muscles, fibrous tissues, veins and arteries near the corpora cavernosa. Once the sequence becomes disrupted, a person might suffer from maintaining or achieving an erection.

Understandably, damage to the nerves, arteries, muscles and fibrous tissues, which are usually caused by other medical conditions, causes ED. Men suffering from diabetes, kidney diseases, multiple sclerosis, atherosclerosis, vascular disease and neurological condition have high risk of having ED. Also, lifestyle choices may lower or increase the risk of ED. Chronic alcoholism, obesity and poor diet (lack of nutrition) is possible to cause this medical condition. In older men, ED may be brought by the side effects of certain medications. Since they are much slower to recuperate from injuries or diseases, they are subject to suffer from this condition since ED is not an inevitable part of aging. Actually, the incidence of ED increases with age: 5% for 40-year old men, 15-25% for 66 years and older.

On the other hand, ED may also be brought by psychological factors. Since brain stimulation and neurological bodily processes are involved in achieving and maintaining erection, many psychological factors are also involved in ED. These factors greatly affect the gradual development of intimacy and stimulation. For instance, sexual anxiety can greatly affect a man’s ability to maintain an erection. While it affects men’s sexual performance, this form of anxiety degrades self-confidence, causing depression and serious self-image issues. Understandably, men suffer varying levels of frustrations due to the inability to get “that stubborn thing” up. Thankfully, many forms of psychotherapy have been devised to manage other causes of ED.

The thing about erectile dysfunction is that it is curable. It has many options for treatment. Thanks to the applications of modern science, many drugs such as Viagra have been made available to offer convenience in fixing the problem. Sex therapy and other forms of psychotherapy have become more and more acceptable in many societies. Surgeries, implants or the use of vacuum devices have shown hope in fixing this medical condition.

Similar Posts:

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • Sphinn
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Mixx
  • Google Bookmarks