Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (impotence) is the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex.It is described as the condition where a man is showing persistent or recurrent inability to attai or maintain penile erection sufficient for sexual performance.The condition is classified as follows:

• Nocturnal

• Psychogenic/Erotic

• Reflexogenic

• Vascular In most cases, erectile dysfunction is caused by something physical. 

Common causes include:

• Heart disease

• Clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis)

• High cholesterol

• High blood pressure

Erectile dysfunction symptoms might include persistent:

• Trouble getting an erection

• Trouble keeping an erection 

Reduced sexual desire Male sexual arousal is a complex process that involves the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles and blood vessels. Erectile dysfunction can result from a problem with any of these. Likewise, stress and mental health concerns can cause or worsen erectile dysfunction. For many men, a physical exam and answering questions (medical history) are all that's needed for a doctor to diagnose erectile dysfunction and recommend a treatment.

Tests for underlying conditions might include:

• Careful examination of your penis and testicles and checking your nerves for sensation.

• A sample of your blood might be sent to a lab to check for signs of heart disease, diabetes, low testosterone levels and other health conditions.

• Urine tests are used to look for signs of diabetes and other underlying health conditions.

• This test is usually performed by a specialist in an office. It involves using a wandlike device (transducer) held over the blood vessels that supply the penis. It creates a video image to helps the doctor see if there are blood flow problems. 

Psychological examination Oral medications are a successful erectile dysfunction treatment for many men.

They include:

• Sildenafil (Viagra)

• Tadalafil (Cialis)

• Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn)

• Avanafil (Stendra)

• Alprostadil self-injection

• Testosterone replacement

Sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent in men than women. All studies demonstrate a strong association with age, even when data are adjusted for the confounding effects of other risk factors. The independent association with aging suggests that vascular changes in the arteries and sinusoids of the corpora cavernosa, similar to those found elsewhere in the body, are contributing factors. Other risk factors associated with aging include depression, sleep apnea, and low HDL levels. In addition, the prevalence of ED is underestimated because physicians frequently do not question their patients about this disorder.