Erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence is a sexual dysfunction characterized by the inability to develop or maintain an erection of the penis during sexual activity. Though erectile dysfunction is usually experienced by aged men between the age of 60 and above but young men also experience it. Men with erectile dysfunction hardly satisfy women sexually.
Men experiencing erectile dysfunction hardly disclose or even share it with their doctors, because they see it as an embarrassing issue.
Erectile dysfunction is only considered a medical condition when it's persistent. But when occasional is not considered because all men experience problems with erections at some time in their lives.
There is an increase in both young and aged men living with erectile dysfunction. According statistics obtained from Ugba, Benue State Nigeria, 9 out 10 aged men do take Vega (Sildenafil citrate) before sex and 6 out 10 young men the same before sex.
Erectile dysfunction has done a lot of damages to many marriages and relationships. The damages ranges from infidelity by the opposite sex in bid to find sexual satisfaction, divorce and clashing of relationships.
SYMPTOMS OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
The symptoms and signs of Erectile dysfunction include:
- Inability to have or keep an erection adequate for sexual activity
- Inability to experience early morning erection.
CAUSES OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
Erectile dysfunction has both physical and psychological causes.
Physical CAUSES
1. Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis, a condition that causes the blood vessels to become clogged, can cause impotence. This is because endothelial dysfunction which is the first stage of atherosclerosis, usually affects the penis first. Endothelial dysfunction occurs early in atherosclerosis and hinders blood vessels from dilating properly.
When the blood vessels that supply blood to the penis are not able to dilate during sexual stimulation because of endothelial dysfunction, the penis cannot fill with blood, and the man develops erectile dysfunction. Atherosclerosis affects different people in different places, but it often affects the penis first, then the heart and brain, and the legs last. Hence erectile dysfunction can be a warning sign that a heart attack or a stroke may follow, often in coming years.
High cholesterol and high blood pressure (hypertension) are also associated with increased risks for impotence.
2. Hormone imbalance
Hormonal imbalances include such conditions as low testosterone levels or high estrogen levels can cause erectile dysfunction. Testosterone is converted to estrogen by fat cells in severely obese men, resulting to low testosterone which is another cause of erectile dysfunction.
Men with high prolactin levels can have secondary erectile dysfunction due to hormonal imbalances.
Erectile dysfunction also occurs in association with hypothyroidism, hence men with abnormal thyroid hormone levels due to abnormal thyroid gland function can develop erectile dysfunction.
The adrenal gland is crucial to regulation of testosterone. Thus, men with abnormal adrenal gland function can also develop erectile dysfunction because it can lead to very low testosterone levels.
3. Medications
Certain medications can affect blood flow, which can lead to erectile dysfunction.
Examples of medications known to cause impotence include:
- Alpha-adrenergic blockers, including tamsulosin (Flomax)
- Beta-blockers, such as carvedilol (Coreg) and metoprolol (Lopressor)
- Cancer chemotherapy medications, such as cimetidine (Tagamet)
- Central nervous system depressants, such as alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), and codeine (found in various brand-name drugs)
- Central nervous system stimulants, such as cocaine or amphetamines
- Diuretics, such as furosemide (Lasix) and spironolactone (Aldactone)
- Synthetic hormones, such as leuprolide (Eligard)
4. Cigarette
Nicotine which is an ingredient in cigarette, constricts blood vessels which means it also limits the flow of blood to the penis.
A study indicated that the negative effects of nicotine on an erection were found to be strong enough to overcome the effects of sildenafil (Viagra).
Also studies of men who had erection problems due to lack of blood supply to the penis, 87 to 97 percent were smokers.
5. Neurological and Nerve Disorders
Neurological disorders also cause erectile dysfunction. Nerve problems affect the brain’s ability to communicate with with other part of the body including the reproductive system. This can prevent a man from achieving an erection.
Neurological disorders associated with impotence include:
Spinal cord disruption
Alzheimer’s disease
Brain or spinal tumors
Multiple sclerosis
Stroke
Temporal lobe epilepsy
Men that have had prostate gland surgery can also experience nerve damage that causes impotence.
Long-distance bicycle riders can also experience temporary impotence. This is because repeated pressure on the buttocks and genitals can affect the function of the nerves.
6. Diabetes
Diabetes is a common cause of erectile dysfunction (ED). Blood supply is essential for erections and diabetes affects the blood vessels and blood supply to organs including penis.
Studies suggest that virtually all male diabetes patients experience difficulties with erections.
Men with diabetes are up to three times more likely to have ED and appear to get it earlier in life. The significance of ED increases with the severity and duration of diabetes, along with age.
7. Psychological causes
The psychological causes of erectile dysfunction are mainly stress and depression.
Depression and anxiety are associated with increased risk for erectile dysfunction. Depression is a feeling of sadness, loss of hope, or helplessness. Fatigue related to depression can also cause erectile dysfunction.
Performance anxiety can be another cause of impotence. Because once a man experiences erectile dysfunction, he may become overly worried that the problem will happen again. This can lead to "performance anxiety," or a fear of sexual failure, and consistently lead erectile dysfunction. If a man with erectile dysfunction related to performance anxiety may be able to have full erections when masturbating or when sleeping, yet isn’t able to maintain an erection during intercourse.
Also a man may also find that he can't achieve an erection with a certain partner, either because of age difference or a feeling that they are not perfect match.
TREATMENT
Oral treatment
Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors
Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors are one of the most widely used and effective types of oral medication for treating erectile dysfunction. The phosphodiesterases-5 is enzymes that destroy the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) that increases blood flow thus reducing blood flow.
Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors work by inhibiting the action of phosphodiesterase-5 and increases the amount of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) available in the blood supply to the penis, thus increasing blood flow.
The commonly available PDE-5 inhibitors in the drug market for treating erectile dysfunction include:
Sildenafil sold under the brand name Vega in Nigeria.
Tadalafil
Vardenafil
Avanafil
Tadalafil works up to 36 hours and is more suitable if you require treatment for a longer period of time, for example, over a weekend.
Depending on the type of PDE-5 inhibitor you are taking and the dose, it should take about 30-60 minutes before it starts to work. With sildenafil, vardenafil and avanafil, you should be able to have sex from one to 10 hours after taking the medicine. After taking tadalafil, the effects will last for up to 36 hours.
Injected medication
Injected treatment regimen is injection therapy. It include: papaverine, phentolamine, and prostaglandin E1. The injection is into the penis.
Reference:
http://www.healthline.com/health/erectile-dysfunction/common-causes-impotence#Medications4
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erectile_dysfunction
http://www.m.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-erectile-dysfunction-symptoms
Erectile dysfunction could be the side effect of taking certain types of medications. These could interfere with the blood flow or potentially constrict the blood vessels. If enough blood isn’t reaching the penis, you’ll find it difficult to get or sustain an erection.
ReplyDeleteErectile dysfunction, or impotence, affects approximately 5% of 40-year old men as well as 15% to 25% of 65-year old men (National Institutes of Health) on a long-term basis.
ReplyDeleteEmphasis must be made, however, that the occasional inability to get and keep an erection affects majority of adult males but this is usually not a cause for concern.
Adult males should be concerned when their inability to get and keep an erection becomes persistent, which means over 50% of the time. Doctors must then be consulted regarding the possible causes for erectile dysfunction and, thus, the most effective treatment for each case. independent prosolution review