The term erectile dysfunction covers a range of disorders, including curvature of the penis during erection (Peyronie's disease), prolonged painful erection not associated with sexual desire (Priapism) and premature ejaculation. But typically, Erectile dysfunction (ED), also called impotence, is defined as man's inability to have an erection hard enough to have sex or to keep an erection long enough to finish having sex.
Erectile dysfunction affects the lives of 20 million to 30 million American men and their partners.
Although erectile dysfunction is more common in men over age 65, it can occur at any age. Still, it's important to realize that an occasional episode of erectile dysfunction happens to most men and is perfectly normal. In fact, in most cases it's nothing to worry about. As men age, it's also normal for them to experience changes in erectile function. Erections may take longer to develop, may not be as rigid or may require more direct stimulation to be achieved. Men may also notice that orgasms are less intense, the volume of ejaculations is reduced and recovery time increases between erections.
When erectile dysfunction proves to be a pattern or a persistent problem, however, it can harm a man's self-image as well as his sexual life. It can also be a sign of a physical or emotional problem that requires treatment. Erectile dysfunction was once a taboo subject. But attitudes are changing. More men are seeking help for the problem, and doctors are gaining a better understanding of what causes erectile dysfunction and are finding new and better ways to treat it.
Signs & Symptoms
Causes
Risk Factors
When to seek medical advice
Screening & Diagnosis
If you go to your doctor because of a problem with erectile dysfunction, he or she will want to ask questions about how or when the problem developed, the medications you take and any physical conditions you may have. Your doctor will also want to discuss recent physical or emotional changes.
If your doctor suspects that physical causes are involved, he or she will likely want to take blood tests to check your level of male hormones and for other potential medical problems, such as diabetes. Your doctor may also want to try eliminating or replacing certain prescription drugs you're taking one at a time to see whether any are responsible for erectile dysfunction.
More specialized tests may include:
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| ULTRASONOGRAPHY: This test can determine the adequacy of arterial circulation in your genital organs. Ultrasonography involves using a wand like device (transducer) held over the blood vessels that supply the penis. The transducer emits sound waves that pass through body tissues and reflect back; producing an image to let your doctor see if your blood flow is impaired. The test often is done before and after injection of medication to see if there's an improvement in blood flow.
NEUROLOGIC EVALUATION: Your doctor usually assesses possible nerve damage by conducting a physical examination to test for normal touch sensation in your genital area. CAVERNOSOMETRY AND CAVERNOSOGRAPHY: Cavernosometry is a test that measures penile vascular pressure. Cavernosography involves injecting a dye into your blood vessels to permit your doctor to view any possible abnormalities in blood flow into and out of your penis. |
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If your doctor suspects that mainly nonphysical causes are to blame, he or she may ask whether you obtain erections during masturbation, with a partner or while you sleep. Most men experience many erections, without remembering them, during sleep. A simple test that involves wrapping a special perforated tape around your penis before going to sleep can confirm whether you have nocturnal erections. If the tape is separated in the morning, your penis was erect at some time during the night. Tests of this type confirm nonphysical causes.
Treatment
Prevention
Coping Skills
