Defined by an inability to develop and maintain an erection firm enough for sexual relations, erectile dysfunction (ED) affects approximately one in four men during their lifetime. According to research scientists, up to 75 percent of ED cases occur due to medical causes. When functioning normally, neurotransmitters initiate an erection by relaying signals from the brain to the vascular system. The resulting increased blood flow and pressure to the penis allows tube and elastic like tissue within the penis to expand, achieving erection. Blood flow reduction to the penis Scarring of the penile tissues does not allow for a normal erection- Peyronie's disease Nerve damage (may occur directly to the penis or to areas leading to it) Hormonal or metabolic disorders such as diabetes Psychological conditions (mainly seen with ED in males under the age of 40) Vein leakage, also known as a venous leak Trauma, injury, or surgical procedures to the spinal cord or pelvic area Vascular disorders or disease such as high blood pressure Neurologic related conditions such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease High levels of cholesterol Heart disease Occurrence and/or treatment for enlarged prostate or prostate cancer Obesity Sleep-related disorders Tobacco use Diseases such as alcoholism and other substance abuse disorders Psychological related issues
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The hard facts could provide additional motivation to do the exercise that doctors are perhaps already recommending to patients suffering from obesity, atherosclerosis, cardiac problems, or other conditions where the blood vessels do not work as well as they should.
Typically, the medication is taken 1-4 hours prior to sexual activity and no more than once per day. Sildenafil and tadalafil are available in generic form, making the pills significantly less expensive than the brand-name versions.
A very rare but more serious visual complication is shared by all PDE5 inhibitors. This would be non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). A number of cases have been reported and generally risk factors for this very rare form of blindness are severe cardiovascular conditions. In summary, men at high-risk for cardiovascular disease with congestive heart failure or unstable angina should not receive treatment for sexual dysfunction until their cardiac condition has stabilized. The FDA advises patients to stop taking these medicines and call a doctor immediately, if they experience sudden or decrease vision loss in one or both eyes. Furthermore, patients taking or considering taking these products should inform their healthcare professionals if they have ever had severe loss of vision, which may reflect a prior episode of NAION. Such patients are at an increased risk of developing NAION again.
The treatment of erectile dysfunction depends on the underlying cause. If an underlying physical cause is found (such as diabetes), treatments will be needed to manage these. Other treatments, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), may be offered for any related mental health disorders including anxiety and depression. Irrespective of the contributing causes, psychosexual counselling may be recommended to help with the effects of impotence on sexual relationships.
Psychotherapy can be beneficial for men with erectile dysfunction even when erectile dysfunction has a known physical cause. The therapist can instruct the man and his partner in techniques to reduce performance anxiety and improve intimacy. Therapy can also help couples adjust to the use of vacuum devices and implants. Erectile Dysfunction Treatment: Alternative Therapies
So, whilst Erectile Dysfunction treatment with medication may be helpful, it’s important to remember that staying fit and active, and performing Kegel Exercises can be natural ways to improve symptoms.
A physician typically asks a series of questions to determine family and sexual history, the male's ability and frequency of erections and sexual relations, levels of satisfaction, any diminished desire for sex, surgeries or injuries near the penis, prescription medication use, and history of using tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs.
Erectile Dysfunction Early SignsFrequent erection failures while having sex.Not having a pleasurable time with their partnerNot having a firm erection required for sexual intercourse.Erectile Dysfunction Symptoms Age
What is erectile dysfunction, and what are the signs and symptoms? Learn about the risks and causes of erectile dysfunction and what treatments are available for erectile dysfunction.
Many men overcome erection problems with lifestyle changes, treatment, or both. For more severe cases, you and your partner may have to adjust to how ED affects your sex life. Even with treatment, counseling can help you and your partner overcome the stress ED may put on your relationship.
Some types of chemo can also cause short-term or life-long infertility. (See Fertility and the Male Adult with Cancer for more information.)
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The next new treatments for erectile dysfunction will probably be improvements in some ED drugs already being used. "A dissolvable form of Levitra that you put under your tongue is coming that may work more quickly than the pills we have now," says Feloney. A new form of alprostadil may make it possible for you to rub it directly on the penis instead of inserting or injecting it. And newer phosphodiesterase inhibitors that last even longer and cause fewer side effects are being developed. Stay tuned!
If this problem becomes frequent or lasts a long time, you should see your doctor.
As with vardenafil, doctors do not recommend tadalafil for men with the following conditions: