Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) describes a medical or psychological condition in which a man can’t achieve an erection or maintain one long enough for sexual intercourse. While synonymous with impotence, ED is the modern term that more accurately describes the condition. Don’t confuse erectile dysfunction with premature ejaculation; they are separate conditions.

Unfortunately, approximately one in ten American men will suffer from ED at some point in their lives. The multi-disciplinary practice has specialists on staff who have successfully treated many men with the same condition.

What’s the Definition of Erectile Dysfunction?

Men don’t always achieve an erection every time they think they should. Many normal circumstances throw cold water on an otherwise romantic evening. Excessive alcohol consumption, a lack of sleep, aggravation, unrelated stress or relationship problems can and do affect otherwise healthy men. These and other concerns render them unable to perform sexual intercourse.

As long as ED occurs less than 20 percent of the time, you probably don’t need any treatment for it. Sometimes, no matter how virile you think of yourself, it happens. Older men are bothered by erectile dysfunction more often than younger men, but it can happen to any man once in a while.

Preventing Erectile Dysfunction

If you’re suffering from ED due to lifestyle choices, you may be able to prevent it by making some simple adjustments. For example, try:

• More exercise. Regular exercise promotes both physical and mental well-being, which may prevent ED.
• Weight loss. Obesity and its accompanying consequences are often associated with ED.
• Clean living. Stop smoking, drinking alcohol and using recreational drugs. When your body’s clean, your ED problems may disappear.
• Lower cholesterol. High blood cholesterol levels can impede arteries and inhibit blood flow throughout the body, including in your penis.
• Healthy diet. You benefit in many ways when you avoid foods high in saturated fats. Instead, eat more fiber-rich foods like fresh vegetables.

What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?

Since it’s not a normal or natural condition at any age, erectile dysfunction is usually a symptom of something else or the result of another underlying condition. Researchers have linked a number of medical conditions to ED, including:

• Vascular disease. Any constriction of your circulatory system inhibits proper blood flow to your penis. Erectile dysfunction may result from the hardening of your arteries, called atherosclerosis.
• Psychological problems. Depression, anxiety and everyday stress can lead to ED.
• Injury. ED may result from trauma or surgery to almost any part of your body. You need energy to heal, and your body takes steps to stop you from using that energy for sexual pleasure.
• Nervous system diseases. Conditions such as multiple sclerosis or nerve damage from a stroke or diabetes can cause ED.
• Peyronie’s disease. A non-cancerous growth of scar tissue in the penis, this disease bends the penis, resulting in erections that are quite painful.
• Hormonal problems. Low testosterone is often associated with erectile dysfunction.
• Chronic illnesses. Hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and some forms of arthritis can cause ED.
• Medications. Researchers believe many prescription and over-the-counter drugs cause ED as a side effect. Bring a complete list of your medications.
• Recreational drugs. Drugs like tobacco and alcohol have a detrimental effect on your nervous and circulatory system. ED can result.