January 16, 2009

The Many Causes Of Erectile Dysfunction

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.

Other causes of erectile dysfunction include neuropathy, or nerve damage. Nerves must be in proper working order for a man to be able to get and maintain an erection. Nerve damage may result from diabetes, prostate surgery, multiple sclerosis. Medications are also the culprits that cause problems with sexual functions, including drugs prescribed for high blood pressure, depression, prostate cancer, and heart disease. Erectile dysfunction may occur suddenly or come on gradually. Some men tend to slowly lose the firmness of their erections or the longevity of the erection. In men whose impotence is largely caused by psychological factors, the problem may occur unpredictably, but can improve at any time. Despite difficulties with erections, men with impotence are often able to continue to have normal orgasm and ejaculation.

Aging has the strongest association with erectile dysfunction. Other major causes include anxiety, depression, a relationship in trouble, and fear of sexual performance. Medications, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and low levels of testosterone may also be factors causing erectile dysfunction. Medications that may cause erectile dysfunction include those prescribed for depression, especially Zoloft, Paxil, and Prozac. The most common offenders also include medications for high blood pressure, allergies, and heart ailments.

There are many effective treatments for erectile dysfunction. The most popular options for treating erectile dysfunction include Viagra, taken in pill form, which works in approximately 70% of men. Other medications available include Levitra and Cialis and work along the same guidelines as Viagra. Treatment may also include medications which are inserted or injected into the penis. Vacuum devises, penile implants, or surgery are also available options to men for whom other treatments have not worked in the past and who have been carefully screened.

Recreational drugs are a major cause of erections. Marijuana, alcohol, and cocaine are also major causes of erection problems. Other major problem drugs include estrogens, Lupron, and antiandrogens, all of which are prescribed for men with prostate cancer, diuretics, tranquilizers, decongestants, seizure medication, and drugs used to lower cholesterol. Other causes of erectile dysfunction include surgical treatments for prostate problems, urethral stricture, urinary surgery, renal transplantation, surgery of the colon, and penile surgery in children to correct congenital problems. As with all of the information provided thus far, one of the best suggestions in treating erectile dysfunction is to reduce anxiety prior to sexual activity. Performance anxiety may be the major cause and talking to your sexual partner about your feelings may be the best option in treating erectile dysfunction.

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