| Erectile dysfunction, differently called male impotence, is the recurrent inability to attain or sustain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. The word "male impotence" may also be used to describe other problems that interfere with sex life and reproduction, for instance lack of sexual drive and disorders with ejaculation or orgasm. Using the term erectile dysfunction makes it clear that those other problems are not involved.
Some males suffer from chronic ED, and others have a partial inability to attain and maintain an erection. Frequent ED can bring on emotional and relationship disorders, and often results in lowered self-esteem and confidence. It makes defining ED and estimating its incidence difficult. Estimates vary from 15 to 30 mln, depending on the definition used.
The majority of male sexualdisorders are caused by physical factors, such as vascular, nerve and abnormalities in the genital area.
In older men, erectile dysfunction normally has a physical cause, such as diseases, injuries, or side effects of drugs. Any disorder that causes an injury to the nerves or impairs blood flow in the penis can bring on ED. Incidence goes up with age: about 5% of 40-year-olds and 15-25% of 65-year-old males experience ED. Nonetheless, it is not an inevitable part of aging.
Not being able to perform in bed has an adverse impact on man's self-esteem and confidence. Moreover, it also badly damages his relationship with a partner.
According to the research, in 1985 for every 1, 000 males in the USA, 7.7 appointments with a physician were made for ED. By 1999, that figure had nearly tripled. The increase happened gradually, probably as therapies, for example vacuum devices and injectable drugs became more freely available and discussing erectile function became accepted.
In fact, erectile dysfunction is treatable at any age, and awareness of this fact has been increasing. Now more men search for medical care and return to normal sexual activity due to improved, efficient therapies for ED. Depending on the severity and results in of the erection problem, there are drug, mechanical, injection and surgery therapies.
One way to improve ED is to make some alterations in life-style. For some males, adopting a healthier life-style, for instance stopping smoking, exercising regularly, and reducing stress, may be all that is needed to find relief. For those who need more intensive treatment, life-style alterations in addition to other treatments can further help. |
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