Impotence – Erectile dysfunction – Male erectile disorder

Impotence (ED; Erectile Dysfunction; Male Erectile Disorder)

What is impotence in men?

Impotence is the inability to achieve or maintain a sufficient erection for sexual intercourse the penis.

To initiate and maintain an erection, the penis must fill with blood. For this purpose one of the blood vessels dilate, it increases blood flow to the penis. Meanwhile, other blood vessels constrict and prevent the outflow of blood, and causing an erection. Condition involved in the erection of blood vessels is controlled by nerve impulses.

Impotence – causes

Erectile dysfunction can result following factors:

Venous leak as the cause of impotence

Blood vessels, which is the outflow of blood from the penis, They may be injured or struck by disease, which can lead to leakage of blood. It means, that the erection will not last long, and in extreme cases even a man can not obtain it.

Neurovascular erectile dysfunction

Problems with the nerves and blood vessels can also cause impotence. Disorders, which can cause problems with erection, include:

• Nerve dysfunction – may reduce the sensitivity in the penis, which leads to impotence;
• Diabetes 2 type – It interferes with the transmission of nerve signals;
• Hardening of the arteries – may reduce the blood flow;
• Peripheral neuropathy, spinal cord trauma, as well as operations – can damage nerves;
• Side effects of medication.

Psychological impotence

Many of nerve signals, needed for an erection, come from brain. Emotional problems may play a role in the life of men, causing impotence.

Risk factors for impotence

Factors, which can increase the risk of impotence include:

• Age: 65 and older;
• Obesity;
• Medical disorders:
  • Diabetes;
  • Arteriosclerosis – hardening of the artery walls;
  • Chronic kidney disease;
  • Hepatic failure;
  • Peyronie's disease – bending of the penis, caused by the increase of scar tissue;
  • Endocrine;
  • Neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, and stroke;
  • Hypertension;
  • Psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety and depression;
• Traumatic causes of impotence:
  • Vascular surgery;
  • Operations pelvic, particularly prostate cancer;
  • Spinal Cord Injury;
• Conduct disorders, causing impotency:
  • Alcohol consumption;
  • Drug use;
  • The use of anabolic steroids;
  • Smoking;
  • Interpersonal conflicts with a sexual partner;
• Medicines:
  • Antihypertensive drugs – for the treatment of high blood pressure;
  • Antihistamines – It is often used to treat allergies;
  • Antidepressants;
  • Trankvilizatorы;
  • Antipsychotics.

Symptoms of impotence in men

Symptoms of erectile dysfunction include:

• Insufficient hardness of penis;
• Short time of erection.

Diagnosis of erectile dysfunction

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination. We need to answer questions about the frequency, quality and duration of erection. Your answers can help establish an accurate diagnosis of impotence.

Your doctor may be appointed by a blood test.

Investigation night penile erections during sleep

This test will supervise erection during sleep. The erection of the penis during sleep is the normal state. If you have impotence, but erections during sleep is normal, then the cause may be an emotional problem. If you have problems getting an erection even when you sleep, the problem may be physical.

Medical imaging tests for the diagnosis of impotence in men

To study the blood flow in the penis using Doppler. Also, the test can detect blockage of the arteries or veins, that supply blood to the penis.

Impotence Treatment – Erectile dysfunction in men treated

Treatment of impotence in males includes:

Treatment of impotence in men – medicines

Your doctor may prescribe:

• Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors
  • Do not take these drugs, if you are also taking nitrates;
• Testosterone, if you have low testosterone levels;
• Alprostadil – or injected into the penis, or is inserted into the urethra as a suppository.

Be careful and consult a doctor, before taking any medication for impotence. Some of them may be unsafe.

Vacuum erection devices

The vacuum device pumps blood into the penis. Then, on the base of the penis is placed compressing rubber ring, impeding blood flow and allows maintain an erection. The vacuum apparatus may comprise:

• Plastic cylinder for the penis;
• Hand pump for pumping air out of the cylinder;
• The rubber ring to save the erection after removal of the cylinder.

Vascular surgery for the treatment of impotence

Vascular surgery is performed, to eliminate leakage from the blood vessels of the penis during sexual arousal.

Penile implants

The penis can be fitted prosthetic penis, that allows you to simulate an erection.

Sex therapy in the treatment of impotence

Sexual impotence treatment can help get rid of:

• Ineffective sexual techniques;
• Problems in relations;
• Alarms
• Depression.

Prevention of Impotence

To reduce the likelihood of impotence:

• We need to take medication, to control blood pressure, diabetes or depression;
• If impotence is caused by drugs, ask your doctor to replace;
• Maintain a healthy weight;
• Eat a healthy diet;
• If you smoke, to throw. Smoking is significantly associated with impotence in older men;
• Talk with your doctor or counselor about the decrease in sexual function.