Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) or Impotence

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Male impotence or Erectile Dysfunction (ED) as it is now often referred to, is very common and affects at least one in every ten men. It is defined as the inability to achieve or sustain an erection sufficient to complete sexual intercourse or sexual activity with a partner.

It is quite normal for men not to get an erection every time. If you have occasional problems as a result of too many drinks or a particularly stressful day, try not to dwell on it and get into a cycle of worry which could make matters worse.

Causes of ED

Up until the 1980s, ED was widely thought to be simply a psychological problem but we now know that physical conditions are responsible in around 75% of cases. Where ED is the result of a physical cause, the onset is usually gradual and tends to occur with all sexual activity. For many men, ED can be the result of a combination of both psychological and physical problems.

Psychological causes of ED include:

Physical causes of ED include:

Impotence can also be a side-effect of many frequently prescribed medications for a range of medical conditions including anti-depressants, medication for high blood pressure and hormone treatments. You must speak to your GP if you are concerned that your impotence may be caused by a medicine prescribed to treat a medical condition.

Diabetes

ED is more common in men with diabetes. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes and suffer from ED, you should mention the problem to your GP or Diabetic Specialist. Leading a healthier life-style will not only help your diabetes but it may also improve your sex life. However, diabetes often goes undiagnosed and it is thought that as many as one in five men over 50 may be unaware that they have the condition. Untreated, diabetes can cause many long-term problems of which ED may be one. If you are over 50 with a family history of diabetes or if you are overweight, have high blood pressure and or high cholesterol, it is important that you consult your GP.

Heart Disease

Like diabetes, ED is also linked to heart disease and may be an early warning sign of a more serious problem. Patients most at risk are those with a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smokers. Consult your GP if you have the first symptoms of ED and are in any of these categories.

Treatment of ED

Treatment of ED can encompass lifestyle changes and discussing the problem as well as medication. 

Lifestyle
There are many treatment options for ED. Making certain lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking, losing weight, reducing alcohol intake (30 units or less per week for men) and avoiding or reducing stress and anxiety may help to improve symptoms as well as increasing overall health.

Talking
If you are able, discussing the problem with your partner or your GP may help to address some of the psychological issues associated with ED.

Medication

A range of medication is available to treat ED from injections to tablets. Tablets are the most commonly prescribed medication for ED and can help men to achieve and sustain an erection in response to sexual stimulation.

The three drug treatments currently available as tablets in the UK are Viagra, Cialis and Levitra. All three have advantages and disadvantages and may not be safe for some men to use. These tablets are only available on prescription in the UK and you should always consult your GP before trying to purchase any of these medications.

How the drugs work

All three drugs work in the same way by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, allowing blood to flow into it, causing an erection. They also make other blood vessels in the body dilate and any potential side-effects are related to this action and include headache and flushing. These side-effects are usually not bad and only last for a short while. You can also get a stuffy nose or indigestion and some visual side-effects have been reported such as a blue tint to the vision and blurring, all of which usually goes if the dose is reduced or as you become more used to taking the medication.

It is important to recognise that these drugs are not aphrodisiacs and do not increase sexual desire. Sexual stimulation or foreplay is necessary for them to work effectively. There is little benefit in taking the drugs if a man does not have ED and can get an erection without them.

Viagra

For more information on Viagra click here

Useful Links

For more information on ED ask your doctor or visit the Sexual Advice Association website.