Erectile Dysfunction can be an embarrassing and scary situation for any man to experience. Otherwise known as Impotence, Erectile Dysfunction occurs when a man fails to maintain or gain an erection. There are a number of reasons why men may experience this condition, and studies have shown that it isn't uncommon for Erectile Dysfunction to occur as men age. However, though it may be a passing phase or the result of anxiety or worry and clear up on its own, it is important to determine the underlying cause of the condition and have it treated.



First, it should be mentioned that 5% of 40 year old men have experienced the condition. This figure increases to nearly 25% of all men who are aged 65. Therefore, you should realize that this subject is one that your health care professional deals with regularly. You shouldn't feel embarrassed about speaking to your health care worker. Scheduling an appointment to discuss what you are experiencing is vital to finding the best treatment possible.

There are three components that must take place in order for a man to achieve and maintain an erection that results in ejaculation. First, the nerves that extend to the penis must be working properly and have no damage or scar tissue. Second, blood circulation to the penis must not be impeded.. Third, the brain must receive adequate stimulation. Therefore, your doctor will need to determine if the cause of the problem lies within these three areas. Once the cause has been determined, treatment may be prescribed.

Some causes of Erectile Dysfunction include drinking too much alcohol, being tired, stress, or depression. These issues will also need to be addressed and the appropriate change can be enacted to solve the problem. However, if there is an underlying medical condition, your health care worker may recommend that you see an urologist for further testing. Also, if it seems that your problem is emotional, stress, or anxiety related, your health care worker might recommend that you see a psychologist for treatment.

Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction may consist of drug therapy, lifestyle changes, herbal treatments, and behavior therapy, an apparatus such as a vacuum or pump, and surgery. Your urologist or physician will most likely start with the least invasive therapy and then progress to more invasive procedures if there is no response to other treatments. Sometimes, lifestyle changes are all that is needed to reverse the situation and end Erectile Dysfunction. Reducing stress, limiting alcohol, quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet and maintaining an active lifestyle may be very beneficial in ending ED. Sometimes, the problem may be linked to a medicine that a man is taking for another condition. Changing medication may be all that is required to combat the problem.

More serious treatments involve drug therapy or surgery. Some of the more popular drugs on the market today include Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis and these are all FDA approved. These drugs work by relaxing the muscles around the penis and increasing blood flow to the area. Natural solutions, sometimes called "herbal viagra" even though they are not made by Pfizer, are becoming more common and are actually surprisingly effective. Vacuums or pumps work by increasing the blood flow to the penis therefore enabling the man to achieve a stronger erection. In situations where nerves or arteries may have become damaged, surgery may be the preferred course of treatment. Surgery may include reconstructing the arteries to increase blood flow to the penis, or implanting a prosthesis that causes the penis to become erect. Finally, it is important to remember that most men will experience some form of Erectile Dysfunction throughout their life. If you find that you have been experiencing frequent dysfunction then you should schedule an appointment with your health care practitioner.