HealthyCanada.com

Overview

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. It is also known as impotence although it is generally considered a myth that those who suffer from this condition are lacking in virility or potency. ED is a widespread condition that affects about half of all Canadian men aged 40 to 70 years. The majority of cases of ED are treatable.

There are two types of impotence physical and psychological. Within these groups there are at least seven major causes:

Lifestyle

Cigarette smoking excessive alcohol consumption illicit drug use and stress can all contribute to ED by adversely affecting circulation sedating the central nervous system and/or interfering with intimacy.

Diabetes

People with diabetes are more likely to suffer from ED especially if their blood glucose levels are poorly controlled.

High Blood Pressure

Because a man needs an adequate supply of blood flowing to the penis in order to have an erection anything that interferes with this process can lead to ED. This includes high blood pressure which narrows the blood vessels and restricts the flow of blood. If a man has high blood pressure as well as a chronic condition such as heart disease or diabetes he will be at an ever greater risk of developing ED.

Prostate Surgery

About half of all men who opt for prostate surgery develop ED one reason why some choose alternative treatments for prostate cancer.

Depression

ED is a common side effect of depression.

Spinal Cord Injury and Trauma

ED can be associated with trauma or surgery that affects the nervous system or interferes with the blood supply to the penis. People with serious injuries to the lower part of the spinal cord will generally have a higher incidence of ED than those with less serious injuries or injuries to the upper part of the spinal cord.

Medications

ED is often a side effect of some commonly prescribed drugs including:

High blood pressure medications (diuretics or water pills beta-blockers)

Antidepressants

Some types of drugs used to treat cancer and epilepsy medications

Symptoms

Generally physical impotence develops over months or years starting with a gradual loss of firmness in the erection. Over time it takes longer to have an erection and is more difficult to maintain one. In order to be officially diagnosed as having ED these symptoms are expected to occur at least 50% of the time for a period of six months. Less formally if you tell your doctor that you are having consistent and persistent problems achieving or maintaining an erection he may recommend treatment.

There are many treatment options from which your doctor can choose depending on the cause of your difficulties including:

• Prescription Medications
  
  Everyone has heard of Viagra. This and other similar drugs increase the flow of blood to the penis and could be beneficial regardless of the underlying cause of ED. The man requires sexual stimulation to allow the natural erection process to take place.
  
  
• Vacuum Therapy
  
  This treatment involves the use of a vacuum constriction device (VCD) the components of which are a vacuum pump a closed plastic cylinder and a constriction ring. Placing the penis in the cylinder and pumping out the air produces a vacuum which draws blood into the erectile tissues causing an erection that is then maintained by a constriction band placed at the base of the penis.
  
  
• Transurethral Therapy
  
  Transurethral therapy involves inserting a suppository delivery system into the urethra of the penis.
  
  
• Penile Injection Therapy
  
  Penile injection therapy involves injecting a drug with a fine needle directly into the side of the penis prior to attempting intercourse.
  
  
• Penile Implants
  
  This treatment involves replacing erectile tissue in the penis with a prosthesis. There are two basic types of implants: semi-rigid malleable prosthesis and inflatable (hydraulic) devices with one two or three components. Both types require irreversible surgery and for this reason are generally considered only after other options fail.
  
  
• Professional Counseling

If no physical cause of ED can be found psychotherapy and/or behavioral therapy may be helpful. Counseling is generally more beneficial in combination with other treatments.

Prevention

Reducing stress or sharing concerns with your partner or doctor can help psychological impotence. Physical impotence may be avoided by following a prudent diet and lifestyle that includes cutting back on alcohol and smoking and maintaining normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Diabetics must control their blood sugar levels with normal ranges.

Other issues:

Premature Ejaculation

Premature ejaculation is described as ejaculation that occurs too early usually before upon or shortly after penetration. This is caused either by anxiety or over-sensitivity of the penis. Behavioral modification therapy often helps. Your doctor might also suggest using a condom. which can decrease sensation or applying an anesthetic to the penis. Certain drugs will also help delay ejaculation.

Decreased Libido

Decreased libido is a reduction in sex drive. Many men experience it from time to time especially if they are over-tired or anxious. You'll find your libido also gradually lessens as you age. Certain prescription drugs may lower your libido. If this is the case your doctor may be able to prescribe a different drug. He can also prescribe testosterone if your own body's natural levels are low.

Canadian Men's Clinic

SexualityandU.ca

Impotence.org

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