One of the health problems that affect the lives of many middle-aged men and their partners is erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction usually refers to the inability to obtain an adequate erection for satisfactory sexual activity. It has also been known as impotence. In this article some of the more common causes for erectile dysfunction will be discussed as well as what is available for treating erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction is more common in men older than 65, but can occur at any age.

A lot of men experience an occasional episode of erectile dysfunction. As men age it is normal to experience changes in erectile function. Erections become slower to develop or they may not be as firm and/or they can require more direct stimulation to be achieved. All these conditions are normal as a man ages.

Other normal changes of a man's erectile function as he ages are:

• Erections may take longer to develop
• Erections may not be as firm
• Orgasms are less intense
• Volume of ejaculate is reduced
• Recovery time increases between erections

The signs and symptoms of erectile dysfunction include:

• Occasional inability to obtain a full erection
• Inability to maintain an erection throughout intercourse
• Complete inability to achieve an erection

Erectile dysfunction may also be a sign of a physical or emotional problem rather than the aging process. Some of the physical and emotional risk factors that can contribute to erectile dysfunction are:

• Chronic diseases of the lungs, liver, kidneys, heart, nerves, arteries or veins, endocrine system disorders particularly diabetes.
• Low levels of the male hormone testosterone
• Surgery or injury to the pelvic area or spinal cord, surgery to treat bladder, rectal or prostate cancer
• Prolonged bicycle riding can cause a temporary problem
• Medications including antidepressants, antihistamines and medication to treat high blood pressure, pain and prostate cancer. Sleeping aids and tranquilizers may also cause problems.
• Alcohol, marijuana or other drugs often cause erectile dysfunction and decreased sexual drive.
• Excessive tobacco use can damage penile arteries.
• Psychological conditions such as stress, anxiety or depression contributes to some cases of erectile dysfunction.

The underlying cause of erectile dysfunction can only be determined by a doctor. It is normal to experience erectile dysfunction on occasion; however, if you experience problems lasting longer than two months and/or it is a recurring problem, it is time for a physical exam or a referral to a doctor who specializes in erectile problems. If the treatment and/or medication prescribed to treat your erectile dysfunction does not work, do not try to figure out the problem for yourself and combine medications or therapies on your own. Report the problem to your doctor.

Do not be embarrassed. It is important to seek treatment. Most cases of erectile dysfunction can be successfully treated.
There are a wide variety of options for treating erectile dysfunction. They include medications, simple mechanical devices, surgery and psychological counseling. The cause and the severity of your condition will determine the best treatment or combination of treatments for you. If erectile dysfunction is the result of a medical condition the cost of treatment may be covered by insurance.

In 1998 the Food and Drug Administration approved Viagra as the first oral medication for erectile dysfunction. Since then, Levitra and Cialis have been approved.

Nitric oxide is a chemical messenger that relaxes smooth muscles in the penis. The drugs of Viagra, Levitra and Cialis are chemically known as phosphodieterase inhibitors which enhance this process by increasing the amount of blood and allow a natural sequence to occur - an erection in response to sexual stimulation. They do not automatically product an erection. Many men experience improvement in erectile function after taking these medications regardless of the cause of their impotence.

Not all men can or should take these medications to treat erectile dysfunction. In addition, do not expect these medications to fix your impotence immediately. The following is a list of high risk patients:

• Men who have experienced a heart attack, stroke or life-threatening heart rhythm during the last six months
• If you are told sexual activity could trigger a cardiac event
• Do not take Viagra, Levitra or Cialis with nitrate medications such as heart drugs nitroglycerin (Nitro-Bid, others), isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur) and isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil).

Other modes of treating erectile dysfunction may include:

• Needle-injection therapy which involves using a fine needle to inject alprostadil into the base or side of the penis, which will generally produce an erection in five to 20 minutes that lasts about an hour. Pain from injection site is usually minimal. Some side effects may be bleeding from the injection or a prolonged erection and formation of fibrous tissue at the injection site. The injections can also be expensive.
• Self-administered intraurethral therapy involves using a disposable applicator to insert a tiny suppository about half the size of a grain of rice into the tip of the penis. Needles are not involved; however, you may still experience pain or discomfort and minor bleeding in the urethra.
• Hormone replacement therapy can be used for the small number of men who may have testosterone deficiency.
• Vacumn devices involve the use of an external vacuum and one or more rubber bands that are placed in a hollow plastic tube, available by prescription, over the penis. A hand pump is used to create the vacuum in the tube and pull blood into the penis. Upon achieving an adequate erection, a tension ring is slipped around the base of the penis to maintain the erection. The vacuum device is then removed. The erection usually last long enough for adequate sexual relations. The tension ring is removed after intercourse.
• Vascular surgery is usually used for men whose blood flow has been blocked by an injury to the penis or pelvic area, and even when erectile dysfunction is caused by vascular blockages. Long term success of this surgical treatment is unclear.
• Penile implants involve surgically placing a device into the two sides of the penis, which allows an erection to occur as often and for as long as desired. The treatment is usually expensive, and usually not recommended until other methods have been considered or tried first. There is always a small risk of infection with any kind of surgery.
• Psychological counseling is recommended if the erectile dysfunction is felt to be caused by stress, anxiety or depression. Consultations with a psychologist or psychiatrist may be necessary.

Some tips on prevention are:

• Limit or avoid the use of alcohol and other similar drugs
• Stop smoking
• Exercise regularly
• Reduce Stress
• Get adequate sleep
• Regular medical check-ups

Regardless of the cause erectile dysfunction can become a source of mental and emotional stress for a man and sexual partner. Do not view one or a few episodes of erectile dysfunction as a lasting statement on your health, virility or masculinity.
Couples may also want to seek counseling. Treatment is often more successful if couples work together as a team.

Source: Mayo Clinic

Disclaimer: The information in this article is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition or before you begin any kind of exercise program.

Author: Connie Limon. Please visit our collection of Nutrition and Health articles at http://nutritionandhealthhub.com Articles are offered as FREE reprints to your newsletter, website or blog. Sign up for our weekly Nutrition and Health Tips.

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