 |
Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be either the inability to get an erection, an inconsistent ability to do so, or a tendency to achieve brief erections. These variations make it difficult to diagnose and define ED.
 In adult men, ED generally is caused by a physical problem such as a disease, injury or a medical side-effect. Any disorder which damages the nerves or decreases the blood flow towards the penis can cause ED. Incidences of ED increases with age: about 5% of men in the age of 40 and 15-25% of men in the age of 60 have experienced ED. But erectile dysfunction is not necessarily an evitable part of aging.
The most common cause of ED is through damage to the nerves, arteries, muscles and fibrous tissues often as a result of a disease. Diseases such as diabetes, kidney diseases, chronic alcoholism, multiple sclerosis, arterial sclerosis, vascular diseases and neurological difficulties are responsible of 70% of ED causes. Between 35 – 50% of men with diabetes usually suffer from ED.
Many of the medicines used for high blood pressure, antihistamines, anti-depressives, tranquilizers, appetite suppressants and cimetidine (medicine for ulcers) can cause ED as side effect.
|
 |
Experts believe that psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, depression or low self-esteem can be the cause of 10-20% of ED cases. Those who suffer ED due to physical problem are also likely to suffer with stress, anxiety and depression as a result of the condition.
Other possible causes of ED can include smoking - which affects the blood flow, the veins and arteries - or any hormonal abnormality, for example insufficient testosterone. Some pharmaceuticals like asiolotics and antipshycotics can provocate impotence. Hormonal issues can also affect sexual desire and libido.
|
 |
Sexual impotence comes in following different states:
|
 |
Impotentia Coeundi: Intercourse difficulties. |
|
Erigendi Impotentia:Inability to have and establish an erection. |
|
Physical impotence:It depends on mental processes rather than physical causes. |
|
 |
May occur in combination with:
|
 |
 Organics:anatomical origin: Genitourinary, endocrine, infectious, neurological, vascular, by the consumption of addictive substances, etc., Up 15%. Endocrine (diabetes), vascular (arteriosclerosis), neurological ( brain injury, spinal cord), urologic (congenital lesions of the penis) or pharmacological (addictive substances: alcohol and tobacco).
|
|
Traumas: Pelvis fracture. |
|
Psychological: the most frequent and varied, due to affective factors, developmental, interpersonal, knowledge, anxiety, fear of failure, guilt, infidelity, pre-ejaculation, insecurity etc. |
|
 |
 ED can occur by altering one or more of three mechanisms responsible for achieving an erection: artery blockages, inability of the blood vessels in the penis to hold blood or damage to the nerves in the pelvis area. It can also be caused by other physiological dysfunctions such as low levels of testosterone.
Risk factors for ED: tobacco, alcohol, drugs (addictive substances), stress. Waking without a maintainable erection could be a potential indicator that you suffer from ED. ED that lasts longer than three months and that doesn’t occur due to a stressful event, drug or alcohol consumption, or through medical conditions should seek the attention of a urologist.
|
| |
| |
|
