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What is impotence or Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?
ED, or erectile dysfunction, is a consistent inability to achieve and keep the erection satisfactory enough for sexual intercourse.
During the adult life men may experience erectile dysfunction one or more times. It is usually due to anger, stress, drinking, etc.
And it usually goes away very quickly and does not need any treatment.
What is the difference between impotence and erectile dysfunction?
Nowadays doctors prefer the term Erectile Dysfunction than impotence. But we should say that it is used mostly in the Us. In the
rest of world, in Europe and Asia the term impotence is rather common.
Is impotence a disease?
No, it is usually a consequence of something else, side effect. True to say, under ‘something else’ there can be something serious,
even life-threatening in some cases. Therefore, first of all, one should see the doctor to identify the initial cause of impotence.
And if you have already taken some medication with no success, you should consult the doctor as far as some other treatments are
concerned. Usually it is advisable to see the specialist in this very sphere, an urologist.
Is impotence treatable?
Yes, it can be treated by first identifying the cause and prescribing the needed medication. Even if the cause is not correctable
(i.e. high blood pressure, prostate cancer, atherosclerosis, diabetes, etc) nearly every man can have his erectile dysfunction
treated and satisfactory erections restored. Depending on the type of the cause, there are several kinds of treatment. If the cause
is psychological, which is about 10-15% of cases, sexual or psychological counseling would be the best way of treatment. It will be
even more successful if he attends this counseling along with his partner. If the cause is physical (about 85-90%) there are several
options. The most popular one is taking oral drugs. Then there come penile injections, vacuum devices and penile implants.
How common is impotence/erectile dysfunction?
True to say, it is rather common. Recent researches showed that in about 52% of men at the age of 40-70 there can be found problems
with erection. For example, only in the US it is about 20-30 million men and only a small percentage of them have acknowledged it
and started treatments.
What about my partner?
It is understood, that erectile problems concern both a man and his partner. It is very important to discuss these problems
together and to seek treatment, as it will improve your relations, giving more trust, and of course, you may find better solutions
to your problems.
Isn't most impotence/erectile dysfunction an emotional or psychological problem?
Not really. Though sexual problems may cause some psychological difficulties to man and his partner, the cause of impotence lies in
the body, not in mind. Or it may also be a medical cause, like diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure.
What kinds of medical problems cause impotence?
Among the most common medical causes of impotence are as follows: hypertension or high blood pressure, coronary artery or heart
disease, "hardening of the arteries" (arteriosclerosis), hyperlipidemia, elevated cholesterol levels, diabetes, stroke, neurologic
problems like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injury. Surgery or radiation to correct cancer on the pelvic
area (colon, bladder, prostate) can cause impotence. Also many medications, especially blood pressure medications and anti-psychotic
drugs, can cause erectile dysfunction or impotence as a side effect.
What should I do if I want help or need information?
First of all, you should consult your doctor as far as your problems are concerned. Also, you may find additional information on
this website or by emailing your questions to our ED expert. What is more, you can arrange an appointment with our physician
(urologist). He will surely help you to find some appropriate solution for your problems.
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