Erectile dysfunction
Other names: Impotence
DEFINITION
Erectile dysfunction (impotence) is the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex. It can be a sign of an underlying health condition that needs treatment and a risk factor for heart disease.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of erectile dysfunction include trouble getting or keeping an erection and reduced sexual desire.
CAUSES
Physical causes include heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and certain medications. Psychological causes can include depression, anxiety, and stress.
RISK FACTORS
Risk factors for erectile dysfunction include medical conditions like diabetes, tobacco use, being overweight, certain medications, psychological conditions, drug and alcohol use, and prolonged bicycling.
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of erectile dysfunction can include an unsatisfactory sex life, stress, relationship problems, and the inability to conceive.
PREPARING FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT
Prepare for your doctor's appointment by writing down symptoms, personal information, a list of medications, questions to ask your doctor, and expect questions about your health history.
TESTS AND DIAGNOSIS
Tests for underlying conditions might include physical exams, blood tests, urine tests, ultrasound, overnight erection test, and psychological exams.
TREATMENTS AND DRUGS
Treatment options include oral medications like sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra), avanafil (Stendra), other medications like alprostadil injections or urethral suppositories, testosterone replacement therapy, penis pumps, surgery, implants, and psychological counseling.
LIFESTYLE AND HOME REMEDIES
To prevent erectile dysfunction, make healthy lifestyle choices like managing chronic health conditions, regular checkups, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, exercising regularly, reducing stress levels, and seeking help for mental health concerns.
ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE Check with your doctor before using any supplements. Some alternative products can be dangerous due to interactions with prescription drugs or unknown dosages.
COPING AND SUPPORT
Erectile dysfunction can cause mental and emotional stress. Involve your partner in the discussion and seek help for stress or anxiety from a healthcare provider.
QUESTIONS
- What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex.
- What are the common symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction?
Symptoms include trouble getting or keeping an erection and reduced sexual desire.
- What are the physical causes of Erectile Dysfunction?
Physical causes can include heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, certain medications, and more.
- What are the psychological causes of Erectile Dysfunction?
Psychological causes can include depression, anxiety, stress, and relationship problems.
- What are the risk factors for Erectile Dysfunction?
Risk factors include medical conditions like diabetes or heart issues, tobacco use, being overweight or obese, certain medications use psychological conditions like stress or anxiety.
- What are some complications of Erectile Dysfunction?
Complications can include an unsatisfactory sex life stress or anxiety relationship problems and difficulty conceiving.
- How is Erectile Dysfunction diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves physical exams blood tests urine tests ultrasound overnight erection test and sometimes a psychological exam.
- What treatments are available for Erectile Dysfunction?
Treatments include oral medications injections testosterone replacement therapy penis pumps surgery implants and psychological counseling.
- How can one prevent Erectile Dysfunction?
Prevention strategies involve making healthy lifestyle choices managing chronic health conditions regular checkups quitting smoking limiting alcohol intake exercising reducing stress levels and seeking help for mental health concerns.
- Are there alternative medicines for treating Erectile Dysfunction?
Before using any supplements check with your doctor as some products may be dangerous due to interactions with prescription drugs or unknown dosages.