Erectile dysfunction: A consistent inability to sustain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. Commonly known as impotence. Medically, the term erectile dysfunction is used to properly differentiate this form of impotence from other problems that interfere with sexual intercourse, such as disease, injury, drug side effects, or a disorder that impairs the nerve supply or the blood flow to the penis. Other forms of impotence include lack of sexual desire and problems with ejaculation and orgasm. Erectile dysfunction is treatable in all age groups, and treatment includes using medication (notably Viagra) and penile implants. Abbreviated ED. SLIDESHOW Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Causes and Treatment See Slideshow Featured Centers Good and Bad Foods for PsoriasisVideo: Getting Personal on Life With MS Health Solutions From Our Sponsors Shot-Free MS Treatment Your Child and COVID-19 Health Solutions From Our Sponsors Penis Curved When Erect Could I have CAD? Treat Bent Fingers Treat HR+, HER2- MBC Tired of Dandruff? Life with Cancer Drug Categories Drugs & Medications Slideshows Pill Identification Tool Vitamins, Herbs, & Dietary Supplements Images Diseases Symptom Checker Dictionary Quizzes RxList About Us Consumer Contact RxList Terms of Use Privacy Policy Sponsor Policy Pharmaceutical Companies A-Z Site Map WebMD Network WebMD Medscape Reference Medscape MedicineNet eMedicineHealth OnHealth WebMDRx
There are two main causes of ED: physical and psychological. Most doctors agree that the majority of cases are physical but it's also clear that many men with ED also quickly start to feel anxious, stressed or depressed. These feelings can easily make the symptoms of ED worse. Relationship conflicts Stress and anxiety Depression (90% of men affected by depression also have complete or moderate ED) Unresolved sexual orientation Sexual boredom
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If you are on treatment for a medical or psychiatric problem and you think that this treatment is affecting your sex life tell your doctor. Alternative treatments that may have less likelihood of affecting sexual function are often available.
Erectile dysfunction is more likely to be related to an emotional problem if you experience symptoms only occasionally. For example, when you get an erection in the mornings but not during sexual activity.
The presence of normal skin sensation adequate to produce an erection is measured with this device. Click to view larger image. Medically reviewed by Michael Wolff, MD; American Board of Urology
Second, there is a range of medically reviewed, evidence-based options for treating ED. The best part? You can start today.
Patients should start with a low dose and increase in small doses until the dose that results in a rigid enough erection for completion of sexual activity is achieved. If one injects and there is an inadequate response, one should not reinject another dose of the medication at that time, due to the risk of priapism.
Recent stroke or heart attackSevere heart disease, such as unstable angina or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)Severe heart failureUncontrolled high blood pressureUncontrolled diabetesVery low blood pressure
ED is generally associated with significant changes in established cardiovascular risk factors. Atherosclerosis is the main cause of ED development in both the general population and patients with diabetes. However, the prevalence of ED is greater in patients with diabetes than in the general population.8 ED has been shown to occur at rates as high as 50 % in patients with CAD.9 A meta-analysis of 12 prospective cohort studies has provided evidence that ED is a predictor of IHD associated with an increased risk of CVD, stroke and all-cause mortality.10
High cholesterol level is an independent risk factor for ED. A 22-month follow-up study estimated that each mmol/l increase in baseline total cholesterol level increases the risk of ED by 1.32 times.4 In a study by Seftel et al., 42 % of men with ED also had hyperlipidaemia.47 In another study, 114 patients with ED had elevated LDL cholesterol.48
Men appear more likely to get Covid-19 and far, far more likely to die from it. The Men's Health Forum are working hard pushing for more action on this from government, from health professionals and from all of us. Why are men more affected and what can we do about it? We need the data. We need the research. We need the action. Currently we're the only UK charity doing this - please help us. Contact (+44) 0330 097 0654 Email us Terms and Conditions Address The Men's Health Forum 49-51 East Road London, N1 6AH
General good health, particular cardiovascular, is important for sexual function. Three exercises that may be particularly helpful are pelvic floor exercises, aerobic exercise, and anaerobic exercise.
Radiation for prostate cancer can cause ED symptoms to appear gradually, usually within two to three years after treatment. If you are experiencing ED after undergoing prostate cancer treatment, you can get a healthy sex life back. We can help you choose the best treatment options for you. By Name By Location ED Treatments pills, injections, penile suppositories, vacuum devices, shockwave therapy, and surgery.
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MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information. sexual health center/sexual health a-z list/erectile dysfunction ed impotence center /erectile dysfunction (ed, impotence) article Erectile Dysfunction (ED, Impotence) Medical Author: Pamela I. Ellsworth, MD Medical Editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Did you guess C multiple sclerosis? If you did, you are incorrect. The actual answer is hepatitis C. That disease can be spread through the penis, but it doesn’t harm the penis’ capability to function normally.
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