What is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition where a man loses the ability to get or keep an erection that should be enough for him to have a sexual intercourse. The condition is the same as impotence. Most of the men who suffer from it are unwilling to go to the doctor or seek help simply because they see it as embarrassing. But the thing is the advent of modern medicine and psychological studies has allowed more comprehensive solutions to solve the problem.

Those who suffer from it also needs to understand that occasional erectile dysfunction is actually quite common. There is a likelihood for it to happen when a man is subjected under constant stress. Nonetheless, when someone experiences it more frequently, it is a sign of a more serious health issue, which also means that a different treatment will be needed to treat that issue. ED may likewise be connected to emotional and relationship difficulties.

But it has to be noted as well that not all sexual dysfunction types are related or connected to erectile dysfunction. There also are other conditions that constitute a man’s sexual problem, including but not limited to premature ejaculation, delayed or absent ejaculation, lack of interest in the act, and others.

The Commonness of Erectile Dysfunction

The numbers are staggering: 30 million men in the U.S. suffer from it. The likelihood of experiencing ED reportedly will increase once a person ages. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, about four percent of male individuals in their 50s suffer from ED, while the number increases to 17 percent when men are in their 60s.

It may be true that the risk of suffering from erectile dysfunction increased with age, but it doesn’t mean that it is a foreseeable consequence of getting older. If a man maintains good health in old age, there is a chance that his sexual function is still at the optimum level.

Digging at the Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

The studies focusing on erectile dysfunction aren’t as complete and comprehensive as most other health conditions. What we do know though is that the possible causes may include the presence of stress and anxiety in the individual, damage incurred from surgery, cancer, the use of drugs, smoking, relationship problems, diabetes, and anxiety and stress.

Good news for anyone who has it – it is actually a treatable condition. The fact is there are several treatment choices available today. The kind of treatment to be used will be based upon the underlying cause of erectile dysfunction. But for anyone who uses drugs and smokes a lot, treatment is only possible if they stop using. Next, counseling and research can do miracles. Lastly, the individual needs to see a doctor to figure out what the cause is and then look for the right treatment for it.