Erectile dysfunction, the inability to get and maintain an erection, affects as many as 30 million men in the United States. More and more men are seeking treatment as the old taboos about openly discussing sex related conditions have been dispelled and treatment options are readily available. Commonly called impotence, erectile dysfunction is the persistent inability to achieve and sustain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. Erectile dysfunction does not affect the libido or the ability to have an orgasm. Erectile dysfunction incidences have risen with age as many men over the age of 60 have this condition.

Certain males are at higher risk for erectile dysfunction (ED), a group that most men would not found to find themselves in. The risk factors for ED include men who have certain physical diseases and disorders, those who have had surgery in the bladder, rectum or prostate area, those who take medications such as antidepressants, antihistamines, drugs for blood pressure control, and medications to relieve pain. Also at risk are males who have been treated for prostrate cancer or who take tranquilizers or sleeping aids.

Physical:

Erectile dysfunction, also called impotence, refers to a man's penis which does not get hard enough to have intercourse. The man cannot get or maintain an erection. Major causes of erectile dysfunction include vascular disease, which is a disease of blood vessels. Erections are caused by the buildup of blood in the shaft of the penis. If poor blood flow occurs in the penis, erections become difficult to achieve. Damage to blood vessels may be caused by hardening of the arteries, also called atherosclerosis, or damage to blood vessels from trauma. Vascular disease is the most common medical cause of erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction is embarrassing, to those suffering from it unless they are fortunate enough to have a caring partner, a knowledgeable and understanding doctor and the courage to talk about having problems with sex.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is used to cover many disorders associated with the male sexual organ. Basically ED refers to the inability to achieve an erection that lasts long enough to perform intercourse, or to have an erection at all. Men aged 65 or older are in the group most likely to suffer ED. Males of any age can suffer from ED, some temporarily, others will need treatment in order to gain normal function again.

Sudden Hearing Loss:

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received 29 reports of men suffering sudden hearing loss who have been taking erectile dysfunction drugs (Cialis, Levitra, and Viagra). The drug Viagra includes hearing loss on its labeling since its approval. The FDA is warning men who are taking these drugs that if they experience hearing loss to immediately stop taking the drugs and to seek medical attention immediately.

Statistic:

The new statistic for 2007 is that 18 million American men suffer from erectile dysfunction; counting their sexual partners that is 36 million individuals affected by this sexual issue.

There are both physical and nonphysical causes for erectile dysfunction (ED).

The physical causes can be due to nerve damage, cardiovascular disorders, associated with medications, surgical complications, injury related, multiple sclerosis, hormonal disorders and also drug and alcohol abuse.

The nonphysical causes are associated with stress, performance anxiety, fatigue. ED can be a side effect of psychological problems such as depression.

Another nonphysical cause of ED is the negative feelings that are expressed between the sexual partners such as hostility, resentment or a lack of interest in sex.

Erectile dysfunction is defined as the consistent or recurrent inability of a man to attain or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual performance. Men who know choose Levitra (Vardenafil) to help deal with their erectile dysfunction. Levitra has been proven to give better performance than other medications designed to help treat erectile dysfunction. Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra are all FDA approved to treat erectile dysfunction. Most men prefer the timeliness of the drug, as Levitra is reliable, fast acting, and produces satisfactory hardness of the erection.

Men who have taken the step to seek medical advise for issues with erections may have questions regarding the process involved with getting a diagnosis. Here is a brief overview of what you may expect to happen when you see the doctor.

Coming up with a diagnosis is a multiple step process that involves filling out a questionnaire, giving a medical history and a sexual activity history, a physical exam, laboratory tests and specialized tests. The diagnosis is given after the doctor obtains the results of all of these processes.

Medical and Sexual Histories:

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is quite common on occasion, but can be a problem if it occurs consistently. The cause of ED may be physical in nature or it can have psychological issues at the root of the problem. If psychological, one or both partners may be involved with the solution.

The physical symptoms of erectile dysfunction are an inability to achieve an erection. The inability to maintain the erection long enough to achieve the sexual act, inadequate orgasm, low volume of ejaculate or longer than normal recovery time. There may be a combination of these symptoms.

Accepting the fact that there is a problem that needs to be addressed by a medical professional is often times difficult for men to do. Especially when the problem involves a sexual nature. The first step of accepting that there is a problem is often the most difficult part of receiving treatment.

Making the appointment and actually showing up is a big thing for men. Often times it requires that the man reach a point of frustration that he is motivated to get answers. Sometimes it is a concerned and loving wife/partner who helps him to take this important step.

Many middle-aged and older men are affected by erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as being an inability to obtain or maintain an adequate erection to achieve satisfactory sexual activity.

ED used to be called "impotence".

As men age they may notice several factors concerning their erections. They may take longer to develop an erection than it used to. The erections may not be as rigid or it may require more direct stimulation to achieve an erection. They may experience less intense orgasms and the volume of ejaculate may be less than previously noted. They may have longer recovery time's in-between erections.

Erectile dysfunction affects the lives of many middle aged men and their partners to one degree or another. Erectile dysfunction is defined as an inability to obtain an adequate erection for satisfactory sexual activity. Erectile dysfunction, also called impotence, is more common in men over the age of 65. It is normal for most men to have the occasional episode of erectile dysfunction. If erectile dysfunction proves to be a pattern or a persistent problem it may interfere with a man's self esteem as well as affecting the sex life of he and his partner. Erectile dysfunction may also e a sign of a physical or emotional problem that requires treatment. While erectile dysfunction was once a taboo subject, doctors are fast gaining a better understanding of what causes erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction affects the lives of many men and their partners. While erectile dysfunction commonly affects middle aged men, typically over age 65, it can occur at any age. A common reaction caused by erectile dysfunction is an uneven or lopsided erection in which the back part of the penis enlarges, but the front part remains small. This is caused by minor abnormalities of the penis during an erection. These minor abnormalities are not serious and do not typically require evaluation or treatment. However, if an abnormality that is severe enough to interfere with sexual activity, or sexual dysfunction, should be evaluated by a urologist.

Erectile dysfunction can be caused by a number of health problems and injuries, and may also be a complication of certain surgeries. Depending on the cause of there erection problems, a male may find that implants are his best treatment option. Penile implants are artificial devices implanted inside the penis which allow men with erectile dysfunction to achieve an erection. These artificial devises are a good option with men with erectile dysfunction who cannot take medication or for whom medications do not work. Some men prefer to make the personal choice to receive an implant rather than using alternative means to restore sexual function. Penile implants are also used to help treat certain cases of Peyronie's disease, which is a condition that causes internal scaring that can lead to a bending of the erect penis, painful erections, or other problems concerning sexual function.

Men report greater positive results to erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment when they are given the chance to have input and to participate in achieving results. One way that men can participate in their treatment is with lifestyle changes.

Lifestyle Changes:

It is not uncommon that for some men with ED, lifestyle changes are all that it takes to correct the dysfunction and to start having normal, healthy sexual intercourse.

Lifestyle changes that may improve sexual performance may include

Cessations of smoking for those that currently smoke either cigarettes or cigars.

Most men will experience at least one episode of erectile dysfunction (ED) by the time they reach 40. Occasional ED is considered to be normal. Most of these occasional episodes are related to an emotional issue or relationship problem. Erectile dysfunction, even the occasional occurrence can lead to decreased self-esteem. The good news is that most erectile dysfunctional causes are treatable. There are both physical and nonphysical causes for ED.

According to the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey in 2002 approximately15 to 30 million men in the United States, experience chronic erectile dysfunction. As men age, they may experience more frequent episodes of ED.

Erectile Dysfunction; Overview

Erectile Dysfunction, or ED as it's commonly called, is no longer a taboo subject. Commonly reported on in news reports, magazines, and newspapers, erectile dysfunction is the inability of a man to achieve or maintain an erection that is sufficient for his sexual needs or for the needs of his partner. Most men will experience this at some point in their lives, typically by age 40, and are not psychologically affected by it. However, some men will experience chronic and complete erectile dysfunction, which is typically termed impotence. The cause of frequent erectile dysfunction can cause emotional problems or relationship problem and often leads to diminished self esteem. The good news is that while erectile dysfunction has many causes, the causes are treatable and is not an inevitable consequence of aging.

Erectile dysfunction affects the lives of many middle aged men and their partners to one degree or another. Erectile dysfunction covers a number of disorders, but typically refers to the inability to obtain an adequate erection for satisfactory sexual activity. If a sexual problem strikes a relationship it is completely normal to feel conflicted. Either partner may experience insecurity, doubt, embarrassment, stress, guilt, tension, or other negative emotions. Both partners in a relationship feel the effects, not just the man. The importance of open communication cannot be stressed enough to help aid in successful impotence treatment. By addressing personal problems with your partner you will be taking the first step towards better sexual health.

Viagra once described as the wonder drug for many men suffering from erectile dysfunction. Viagra has been used by more than 30 million men worldwide to treat erectile dysfunction. However, Viagra has been found to help in the treatment of more than a dozen diseases and health problem. Researchers have determined that Viagra may be just as versatile as Aspirin. Viagra was the first effective oral therapy available to men with erectile dysfunction. Prior to the release of Viagra, the typical therapies available were injections and vacuum erection devices. The nerves or blood vessels in men who suffer from erectile dysfunction do not work properly. Viagra works by increasing the blood flow to the penis. Viagra may combat impotence resulting from a wide variety of causes. Causes may include, but are not limited to psychological problems, aging, and diabetes, side effects from other drugs, depression, and kidney failure.

Erectile dysfunction can refer to 3 different types of scenarios:

1. The inability to achieve an erection
2. An inconsistent ability to achieve an erection
3. The ability to only sustain brief erections

There are anywhere from 15 million to 30 million men who suffer from erectile dysfunction in just America alone.

Older men usually have a physical cause for erectile dysfunction (ED) instead of a emotional or psychological one.