What is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile Dysfunction (ED), commonly known as impotence, is a condition in which a man cannot keep or get an erection for satisfactory sexual activity. It is a common condition in aging and, most men by the age of 45 have experienced ED at some point.

What is the main symptom of ED?

Inability to achieve or keep an erection

How Is ED Diagnosed?

Ed can be diagnosed in 4 ways: through history, medical examination, laboratory tests and finally by a psychological evaluation. In a diagnosis conducted by history, the doctor takes a close look at the patient’s medical/psychological history. As many medical and psychological disorders come towards reasons for ED, it could shorten the searching to the cause for this condition.

In a diagnosis conducted by medical exam, the doctor observes the patients pulse, hair growth, penis shape, curve and sensitivity to understand what could be the cause of erectile dysfunction. In a diagnosis conducted by a laboratory test, a test on blood, urine, fat and enzymes could contribute to determining the reason for ED. And finally,a diagnosis is conducted by psychological evaluation to determine whether the patient’s state is the problem causing the erection difficulties.

What is the treatment For ED?

• Drugs such as; Cialis, Levitra, Viagra,
• Injections such as; Caverject Impulse
• Mechanical aids such as; Vacuum pumps, rings, vibrators, external splints,

What are the causes of ED?

Erection difficulties have been said to be caused by psychological and physical factors.

Psychological Causes Such as:

• Exhaustion
• Depression
• Nerves
• Guilt
• Relationship problems

Psychological factors can contribute to whether a man is having erection difficulties. If your mind is on other things, it is hard to focus on anything else.

Physical Causes such as

• Excessive Drinking
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Being Obese
• Side Effects of drugs taken
• Hormonal problems
• Narrowing of the blood vessels

Why Does ED Occur?

ED can occur for a number of reasons and at different ages. In the younger generation of males, anxiety is the most common impotence cause. In middle aged men, the most common cause for erection difficulties is stress, guilt and being over worked. Males in their middle age, ED is extremely common and in a high proportion of men, ED is caused due to the deterioration in the blood vessels that carry blood into the penis.

How common is Ed?

ED is an extremely common condition, especially in older men. It has been said that half of all men in the ages of 40-70 will develop ED in some form.

Can Losing Weight Help Erectile Dysfunction Return To Normal?

According to a study from Italy, significant loss of 10 % of body weight can return erections to normal in about 1/3 of men. For some weight loss did not help however, PDE-5 inhibitors is the next option to try. Trying to lose weight though is most likely the best starting point to try, because through weight loss, erections can begin to return to normal, especially in men that lost weight.

What drugs could cause Erectile Dysfunction?

Sometimes it’s not stress, or being overweight that is giving men a difficult time maintaining or achieving erections. In some cases it’s the medicine you are putting in your body that is resulting In ED, or the increase risk Of ED.

Some medications that may cause ED is listed below.

• Verapamiil(Calan,Isoptin, Verelan)
• Propranolol(Inderal)
• Spironolactone(Aldactone)
• Captopril(Capoten)
• Fluoxetine(Prozac)
• Amoxipine(Anafranil)
• Doxepin(Sinequan)
• Naproxen(Anaprox, Naprelan,Naprosyn)
• Biperiden(Akineton)
• Levodopa(Sinemet)
• Flutamide(Eulexin)
• Leuprolide(Lupron)
• Busulfan(Myleran)
• Cyclophosphamide(Cytoxan)
• Disopyramide(Norpace)
• Ranitidine(Zantac)

NOTE: that these are only a few of the drugs that could result in ED. Talk to your doctor about the drugs you are taking.

Natural Remedies Could Help ED

Natural Remedies for erectile dysfunction have been said to be beneficial for men with ED. Some natural herbs and supplements such as Ginkgo, L-arginine, Ginseng, Zinc, Horny Goat Weed, Ashwagandha, and Yohimbe, have been said to help with ED, but it is not something you should be totally convinced about working, but you could give it a try.

• Ginkgo: increase blood flow to penis therefore helping in erection
• Ginseng: Effective in individuals suffering from erectile dysfunction
• Yohimbe: increase flow of blood to genitals
• Zinc: increase levels will help ED. Decrease levels of zinc are responsible for erectile dysfunction.
• L-arginine: help produce nitric oxide, which helps in relaxation of smooth muscles found in the penis which leads to a hard erection.
• Ashwagandha: increases sexual stamina and energy
• Horny Goat Weed: increase levels of nitric oxide which is essential for the relaxation of smooth muscles found in the penis. This will result in good flow of blood.

Can ED be prevented?

An individual can reduce their risk for ED by living a healthy lifestyle such as; eating healthy, exercising everyday, drinking moderately, and not smoking. By living healthy you can reduce your risk, but there is no way to prevent it otherwise.