Is Erectile Dysfunction a Health Concern?

Erectile dysfunction is a common urologic condition. It is defined as a persistent inability to get or keep an erection.

Erectile dysfunction is often caused by other medical conditions. Men are more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction if they:

• Are obese or overweight

• Suffer from stress, anxiety, or depression

• Have damage to their arteries

• Have diabetes or high blood pressure

• Have cardiovascular disease

Since erectile dysfunction tends to be a warning sign for other health concerns, testing and lab work may be needing during your exam.

ED is a sensitive topic so if you are affected its important to find a physician you trust.

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What is Erectile Dysfunction?

If you are dealing with erectile dysfunction (ED), you are not alone: nearly one in every four men over sixty-five will experience some degree of erectile dysfunction. Younger men often struggle with ED as well. By taking the time to educate yourself about ED, you’ve made an important first step in finding a solution to erectile dysfunction (impotence).

Erectile Dysfunction is the consistent inability to sustain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse.

Erectile Dysfunction can be:

• A total inability to achieve an erection – You can never get an erection.

• An inconsistent ability to do so – You can only occasionally get an erection.

• A tendency to sustain only brief erections – You can get an erection, but can’t keep it long enough for satisfying sex.

What Causes ED?

As a result of recent medical research, it is now known that more than 80% of men suffering from ED can trace its origin to a physical problem or disorder.

For most men, the cause of ED can now be fairly easily identified. Once identified, proper treatment can be recommended that may help you return them to a satisfying sex life.

ED can be caused by physical disorders such as:

• An injury (i.e. brain or spinal cord)

• A disease (i.e. diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol)
  

  • Various studies have estimated that between 20% – 71% of individuals with diabetes suffer from erectile dysfunction.

• An operation (i.e. prostate gland removal)

• Substance use (i.e. tobacco, drugs, alcohol or medications)

Facts about Erectile Dysfunction (Impotence):

• Approximately 30 million American men suffer from erectile dysfunction.

• Most men with erectile dysfunction still have the ability to have an orgasm and father a child, but often have difficulty doing these things because they can’t get or sustain an erection.

• Most men at one time or another during their sexual lives are unable to get or keep an erection. This is normal and does not indicate a problem. However, millions of men of all ages experience this inability as a continuing problem.

How is Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosed?

Most of the time, obtaining a detailed history and physical examination helps to make an accurate diagnosis. . Family history and surgical history are also taken into consideration during the evaluation. Emphasis is taken on conditions that may affect the blood flow in your body, which include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Also, pelvic surgery, such as radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer, may also affect sexual function.

The physical examination includes an evaluation of the genitalia and sexual characteristics. Particular attention is taken to the size and consistency of the testicles and penis. When a patient develops erectile dysfunction, the corporal (erectile tissue) may start to atrophy (shrink) which may affect the elasticity of the penis and reduce penile length. Moreover, some patients may develop a plaque (scar tissue) in the tunica albuginea (tissue layer covering the corporal body) that can be palpated and may suggest the presence of Peyronie’s Disease.

Sometimes a penile doppler(a test which measures blood flow to the penis) can be helpful in guiding treatment.