What is Erectile Dysfunction?
ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION: Symptoms & treatments
The inability to achieve or sustain an erection for enough time to successfully have sexual intercourse is often symptomatic of Erectile Dysfunction, or male impotence. There are millions of men throughout the world who suffer from this problem. Erectile dysfunction can often result from prostrate issues. There may other causes, so self diagnosis is not recommended.
DEFINITION OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION: Achieving an erection comes about through a complex series of events. The penis is made up of 2 cylinders of tissues that appear very spongy, and these 2 cylinders run right along the side of the penis beside the urethra. When a man gets sexually excited, blood flows to the penis, and it becomes stiff and erect.
As long as there is an increased blood flow to the penis, the erection is maintained. Once either ejaculation happens or the sexual excitement is gone, blood flow decreases quickly and the penis softens and loses its rigidity. Erectile function comes from physical and psychological stimulation, and that is accomplished through the nervous system.
Nitrous oxide is released by the nervous system’s reaction to sexual stimuli; when it travels through the penile blood vessels, it causes the penis to swell. If there are any interruptions in the nervous system, whether it be mental or physical, erectile dysfunction will sometimes occur.
RISKS & FACTORS: Some statistics have shown that psychological factors are only 10% of the cause in erectile dysfunction cases. Erectile dysfunction sometimes is caused by depression, anxiety, stress, being tired, or relationship problems. Sometimes erectile dysfunction happens when the man is not sexually attracted to his partner anymore.
Physical causes come into play here as well, which can be caused by disruption of the vascular or nervous system. Any kind of injury to the groin area can be detrimental to the body. There are a number of different conditions that can increase a man’s risk of developing erectile dysfunction including spinal injuries, diabetes, vascular problems, multiple sclerosis, hypertension, hormone imbalances, liver and kidney disease, and substance abuse.
SYMPTOMS OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION: The normal symptom would be the inability for the male to achieve and keep a full erection. This would make love making virtually impossible. If erectile dysfunction occurs from time to time, that is not a cause for alarm. Long periods of erectile dysfunction should be investigated medically. The problem must be checked out by your doctor.
DIAGNOSIS: Diagnosis for this problem is very thorough, and consists of blood tests, queries, physical exam, tests on your liver and kidneys, hormone level tests, and even an ultra sound. The ultra sound shows the actual blood vessels and the blood flow in the genital area.
An erection is generated as a result of an injection given to the patient. More aggressive testing has to be done when the reason for penile dysfunction is not exactly known, or if some other ailments are the problem. Prostate cancer tests are very important; have your doctor test you for it.
There is a test call Cavernoscomy and it is done to measure the pressure of blood vessels and tissue in the penis. A needle containing radiographic dye will be used to make an injection into the penile blood stream, after which the doctor will measure and analyze blood flow. This will help find any leakages that may be the cause of penile dysfunction.
TREATMENT OF IMPOTENCE: Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction is individualized. The specific cause of the problem will dictate which treatment methods are used. Psychological dysfunction can be treated either with medication or therapy or even both. Usually sex therapy is recommended first. This works in a lot of cases but not all; the courses last for 6-12 weeks.
There are some medicines that are prescribed, like PDE5 inhibitors, which help to increase the blood flow in the penis. From time to time, the drug Viagra can be a viable option. Even though Levitra is new, it has grown in popularity with men who suffer from erectile dysfunction. 60%-80% of men who have used Levitra, have reported that erections last longer. To receive proper diagnosis and treatment, you must visit your physician or medical practitioner. Don’t take any medicine for the problem until you have seen a doctor and had it checked out. Possible side effects from Levitra could be migraines, indigestion, flushing, dizziness, blue tinged vision and diarrhea.