What Is Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) otherwise known as impotence is a condition that affects a mans ability to achieve or maintain an erection long enough satisfy himself and/or his partner. Erectile dysfunction is not actually a disease but rather a symtom of an underlying problem either physical, psychologal or both.

How Common Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction can affect men of any age but is particularly more common in older aged men. The severity of erectile dysfunction can vary from the ability to achieve only brief erections to total inabilty to get an erection.

It is believed about 20% of men over the age of 40 suffer from some degree of erectile dysfunction with 10% having acute erectile dysfunction.

It is important to remember that the occassional loss of erection hardness is of no big concern and can be a result of a number of external factors e.g alcohol, tiredness, stress.

What Is The Cause Of Erectile Dysfunction?

There are a number factors which can be attributed to causing erectile dysfunction.

• Relationship problems
• Work and financial related stresses
• Depression
• Health related issues such as diabetes, obesity
• Cigarettes
• Excess alcohol or drug consumption
• Side effect of prescription medication
• Peyronie's Disease (penis curvature)

How Can I Stop Erectile Dysfunction?

There are a few options available when it comes to treating erectile dysfunction.

Oral Treatments

The most common and well known ED pills are Viagra (sildenafil Citrate), Cialis (Tadalafil) and Levitra (Vardenafil). These pills work by relaxing the smooth muscles and increasing blood flow to the penis but like all other medications they carry the risk of side affects such as headaches, nausea, flushing, indegestion, muscle aches and nasal congestion. Because these medications have side effects and may interfere with other medications or conditions you are required in Australia to have a prescription from your GP.

Injections

Alprostadil is injected into the penis shortly before intercourse and has basically has the same effect as oral medications.

Vacuum pumps

Vacuum pumps work by inserting your penis into a cylindrical chamber and squeezing a small hand pump. This creates a vacuum around the penis which draws blood into the spongey tissue that fills during an erection. Caution should be taken with these devices as over pumping could cause bruising to your penis.

Traction Devices

Penis traction devices such as the Proextender system stregthen the penis by applying constant tension which causes the cells within the penis to multiply and hold more blood.