What is Erectile Dysfunction – What is ED?
Erectile dysfunction (or ED) is a sexual problem in men, where they are unable to maintain proper penis erection during sexual activity. In a penile erection, blood enters the penis and is retained through sexual arousal. In men with erectile dysfunction, there is no or enough blood to create the required penile erection for sexual activity.
Some of the Causes of ED 1. Tobacco and alcohol are major causes of ED, as they create arterial narrowing.
2. Ageing is a natural cause of this problem. The chances of men in their 60s suffering from ED are far more than men in their 40s (or younger).
3. Nerve disorders like multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer disease, and Parkinson disease. This is because the erection process involves the nervous system.
4. Psychological problems like personality disorders, stress, performance anxiety, and other disorders lead to negative thoughts and feelings, resulting in ED.
5. With the increase in the number of men with diabetes worldwide, so has the number of men with ED. Around half the men with diabetes are very likely to suffer from a certain degree of ED during their lifetime. The causes of ED as a result of diabetes involve muscle function, the nerves, and the blood vessels and are considered very complex.
6. Kidney failure or disease can create certain chemical changes in the body that negatively affects energy levels, circulation, and hormones. Sometimes, even medications used to treat kidney problems can end up causing ED.
7. Peyronie’s disease, which is a cavernosal disorder, can also cause ED. It affects around 10% of men. Here, there are scar tissue formations surrounding the corpora cavernosa in the penis, which cause abnormal curvature, pain, and loss of erection.
8. Venous leak, where the penile veins are unable to stop blood from rushing out of the penis during an erection could also be a cause of ED. This could be a result of disease or injury.
Treatment Options for ED 1. Men having ED as result of most medical issues can be prescribed oral medications like Levitra, Viagra, and Cialis. However, men with diabetes who have cardiovascular issues are discouraged from taking these medications. Other forms of treatment like vacuum constriction devices, sex therapy, intracavernous injection therapy, and intraurethral therapy are recommended. It would be wise to talk to a urologist before trying out what is best.
2. Men with a venous leak are recommended methods like androgen therapy (a hormone treatment), vacuum therapy, penile rehabilitation, intraurethral suppositories, intracavernosal injections, or penile implant.
3. For ED related to psychological problems, psychotherapy in the form of psychodynamic therapy or counseling is recommended. In psychodynamic therapy, ED is treated as a man’s subconscious problem. The problem can be resolved once he is encouraged to say what is on his mind. In counseling, similar methods are followed with the man’s partner included during all sessions. However, experts suggest the presence of the partner in all types of therapy. ED related to tobacco and alcoholism can be tackled through these therapies.
World famous research team, Masters and Johnson (Virginia E. Johnson and William H. Masters), developed a different type of approach for tackling ED in the 1970s. This approach involved the focus of attention on how one feels during sex rather than concentrating on how or what one was doing during sex. The therapist gives a certain set of instructions concentrating on enjoying the physical sensation during sex instead of focusing on sexual arousal and intercourse. This method has been known to be effective for men of all ages. It is important to note that sex therapy sessions are recommended for people even with medical issues.
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