Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Information
Overview
Erectile Dysfunction: Causes and Effects
Psychological problems, neurological problems, abnormalities in blood flow, damage to the genital organs, hormonal imbalance, and the use of drugs or medications — all can interfere with any of the four stages of normal sexual function. Erectile dysfunction occurs when one or more of these factors persistently interfere with the ability to achieve and maintain an erection sufficient to complete sexual intercourse.
Erectile dysfunction is often called impotence. Some experts object to the term "impotence" because of its negative implications and lack of precise meaning. The term "erectile dysfunction" is now used. Erectile dysfunction is defined as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection as part of the overall multifaceted process of sexual function. This definition deemphasizes intercourse as the essential or only aspect of sexual life and gives equal importance to other aspects of male sexual behavior.
At some time in their life, all men experience erectile problems. But for 30 million men in the United States, erectile dysfunction is a chronic, persistent problem. This number includes about 10 percent of the entire male population and 35 percent of men over 60. Fewer than 5 percent of men with erectile dysfunction seek treatment for this condition.
There are different levels of erectile dysfunction:
A total inability to achieve erection
The occasional ability to achieve erection
An inability to maintain erections
The ability to achieve erection, but inability to control ejaculation
Most cases of erectile dysfunction are treatable and are not the result or inevitable consequence of aging. The response in the penis that results in a normal erection depends on healthy nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and fibrous tissues, as well as on adequate blood levels of certain hormones, such as testosterone. Damage, injury, or malfunction in any of these areas can lead to erectile dysfunction. A number of physical factors such as disease or surgery, as well as psychological factors, can also cause erectile dysfunction. In the past, it was believed that erectile dysfunction was largely caused by psychological problems. Today, most experts agree that, in 85 percent of cases, erectile dysfunction is the result of physical factors, most of which can be treated.
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