Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common type of male sexual dysfunction that can cause stress, relationship tension, and low self-confidence. The main symptom is a man's inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough to have sex. Patients suffering from ED should first be evaluated for any underlying physical and psychological conditions. If treatment for underlying conditions doesn't help, medications and assistive devices, such as pumps, may be prescribed.The Massachusetts Male Aging Study surveyed 1,709 men aged 40 to 70 between 1987 and 1989 and found that there was a total prevalence of erectile dysfunction of 52 percent.
It was estimated that in 1995, more than 152 million men worldwide suffered from ED. By 2025, the prevalence of ED is expected to be approximately 322 million worldwide.Erectile dysfunction can occur at any age, but is more common in men over the age of 75.Without treatment, ED can make it difficult to have sex or end sexual intercourse. This condition used to be called impotence.The problem is reported by 1 in 5 men, and that number increases with age. Physical problems such as heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and smoking can cause ED.
However, if ED is an ongoing problem, it can cause stress, affect self-confidence, and contribute to relationship problems.Problems getting an erection and difficulty maintaining it during sexual activities are the most common symptoms of ED. That's why it's important to understand a person's physical and psychological state in order to know the underlying cause of ED.Usually, the hardest part of diagnosing ED is overcoming the embarrassment that comes with talking about it. Erectile dysfunction itself is often related to an underlying problem, such as heart disease, diabetes, liver disease, or other medical conditions. The bottom line is that if you suffer from ED, you should talk about it with your doctor, even if you feel embarrassed, because there are several ways to effectively treat ED.Education about sex, sexual behaviors, and sexual responses can help a man overcome his anxieties about sexual dysfunction.
Diabetes, chronic alcoholism, multiple sclerosis, heavy metal poisoning, spinal cord and nerve injuries, and nerve damage from pelvic operations can also cause dysfunction. Many people have ED but it's often possible to reverse it with exercises to strengthen muscles in the area.Debunking the myths about masturbation and ED and learning more about the causes and treatments of dysfunction can help too. Insurance coverage for ED depends on the type of treatment prescribed and whether your insurance covers sexual dysfunction.A person with ED will generally struggle to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough to have sex. The precise identification and characterization of risk factors are essential for the prevention or treatment of ED.
If you can't get or maintain an erection that lasts long enough or is stiff enough to have sex, you have erectile dysfunction.
