It affects about half of all men over the age of 40.
Erectile dysfunction
, also known as impotence, is defined by difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection. It can be embarrassing to talk about it, but it has been reported that more than half of men between the ages of 40 and 70 suffer from some form of erectile dysfunction. While erectile dysfunction is often a physical problem, it can also have psychological roots.Men who have penile erections that last longer than two to four hours should go to the emergency room. Priapism is a prolonged erection that lasts more than four hours. If priapism is not undone, permanent damage to the penis and intractable erectile dysfunction will result. Erectile dysfunction in and of itself is not life-threatening and, in some cases, is temporary.
However, sometimes it can be a symptom of a more serious health condition. Most cases of erectile dysfunction occur in men who were previously able to maintain an erection. The condition is usually reversible, but the chances of a complete cure for erectile dysfunction depend on the underlying cause. In this article, we'll discuss the basics of erectile dysfunction: what it is, who receives it, symptoms, diagnosis and treatments.
Whether you're looking for answers for yourself or for someone you love, we're here to provide you with the best information available. Sexual arousal is a complicated process that involves the brain, hormones, nerves, muscles and blood vessels. A setback in any of these cases can cause problems with erections. Medications for erectile dysfunction don't work for everyone and may be less effective for certain conditions, such as after prostate surgery or if you have diabetes.
The treatment aims to correct or improve erectile function, help circulatory health and help men's quality of life. Oral medications for erectile dysfunction are not aphrodisiacs, do not cause arousal, and are not needed in people who have normal erections. Almost all cases of erectile dysfunction are treatable, and treatment can lead to better overall physical and emotional health for almost all patients, as well as to improved intimacy for couples. That's why it's important to understand a person's physical and psychological state to know the underlying cause of erectile dysfunction.
Whether the cause is physical, psychological, or a combination of both, erectile dysfunction can become a source of mental and emotional stress for you and your partner. Erectile dysfunction can be an uncomfortable topic to discuss with your doctor, your partner, and your friends. Therapy with a trained counselor can help a person address feelings of anxiety, fear, or guilt that may have an impact on sexual dysfunction. The best way to prevent erectile dysfunction is to choose a healthy lifestyle and manage any existing health conditions.
Education about sex, sexual behaviors, and sexual responses can help a man overcome his anxieties about sexual dysfunction. Yale Medicine Urology offers many advanced medical and surgical options for treating erectile dysfunction. Honig is an internationally recognized speaker on topics related to sexual health and conducts research on experimental treatments for erectile dysfunction.
