Erectile dysfunction
hideErectile dysfunction (ED or "male impotence") is a sexual dysfunction characterized by the inability to develop or maintain an erection of the penis sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance.
An erection occurs as a hydraulic effect due to blood entering and being retained in sponge-like bodies within the penis. The process is most often initiated as a result of sexual arousal, when signals are transmitted from the brain to nerves in the pelvis. Erectile dysfunction is indicated when an erection is consistently difficult or impossible to produce, despite arousal. There are various and often multiple underlying causes, some of which are treatable medical conditions. The most important organic causes are cardiovascular disease and diabetes, neurological problems (for example, trauma from prostatectomy surgery), hormonal insufficiencies (hypogonadism) and drug side effects. It is important to realize that erectile dysfunction can signal underlying risk for cardiovascular disease.
There is often a contributing and complicating and sometimes a primary psychological or relational problem. Psychological impotence is where erection or penetration fails due to thoughts or feelings (psychological reasons) rather than physical impossibility; this can often be helped. Notably in psychological impotence, there is a strong response to placebo treatment. Erectile dysfunction, tied closely as it is to cultural notions of potency, success and masculinity, can have severe psychological consequences. There is a strong culture of silence and inability to discuss the matter. In reality, it has been estimated that around 1 in 10 men will experience recurring impotence problems at some point in their lives.
Besides treating the underlying causes and psychological consequences, the first line treatment of erectile dysfunction consists of a trial of PDE5 inhibitor drugs (the first of which was sildenafil or Viagra). In some cases, treatment can involve prostaglandin tablets in the urethra, intracavernous injections with a fine needle into the penis that cause swelling, a penile prosthesis, a penis pump or vascular reconstructive surgery.
The Latin term impotentia coeundi describes simple inability to insert the penis into the vagina. It is now mostly replaced by more precise terms. The study of erectile dysfunction within medicine is covered by andrology, a sub-field within urology.
For more information about Erectile dysfunction, read the full article at
Wikipedia.
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News tagged with erectile dysfunction
Topical erectile dysfunction therapy shows promise (w/ Video)
Nanotechnology / Bio & Medicine
Sep 19, 2009 |
4.3 / 5 (7) |
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An innovative drug-delivery system - nanoparticles encapsulating nitric oxide or prescription drugs - shows promise for topical treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED), according to a new study by scientists ...
Link between erectile dysfunction and obesity explored in obesity and weight management
Aug 24, 2009 |
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Obese men are at increased risk for erectile dysfunction (ED), likely caused by atherosclerosis-related hypertension and cardiovascular disease, as well as hormonal changes associated with obesity, as described in a timely ...
Malaysian authorities seize 'Viagra coffee' : report
Jul 05, 2009 |
3 / 5 (1) |
1
Malaysia's health authorities have seized over 20,000 dollars worth of coffee mixed with sildenafil, the main ingredient in erectile dysfunction drug Viagra, a report said Sunday.
Erectile dysfunction treatments do not appear to damage vision over 6 months
Apr 13, 2009 |
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Two medications used to treat erectile dysfunction in men (tadalafil and sildenafil) do not appear to have visual side effects when taken daily for six months, despite concerns about eye-related complications, according to ...
Researcher Connects Sexual Dysfunction with High Blood Pressure
Mar 16, 2009 |
5 / 5 (1) |
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(PhysOrg.com) -- Taben Hale is studying the connection between the two and is working on what might be the best way to find answers for both common problems.
No Need to Whisper: Talking and Treating Erectile Dysfunction
Feb 04, 2009 |
3 / 5 (2) |
2
Men don't necessarily need medications to have a romantic Valentine's Day. In fact, there are steps they can take to treat their erectile dysfunction without heading to the doctor or drugstore. Here are three simple tips ...
Younger men with erectile dysfunction at double risk of heart disease
Feb 02, 2009 |
5 / 5 (1) |
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Men who experience erectile dysfunction between the ages of 40 and 49 are twice as likely to develop heart disease than men without dysfunction, according to a new Mayo Clinic study.
Erectile dysfunction gives early warning of a heart attack, warns expert
Oct 22, 2008 |
4.7 / 5 (20) |
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Erectile dysfunction gives a two to three year early warning of a heart attack, warns an expert on bmj.com today.
Men defy stereotypes in defining masculinity
Aug 26, 2008 |
4.2 / 5 (6) |
1
Contrary to stereotypes about sexual performance and masculinity, men interviewed in a large international study reported that being seen as honorable, self-reliant and respected was more important to their ...
Men defy stereotypes in defining masculinity
Aug 26, 2008 |
4.3 / 5 (7) |
0
Contrary to stereotypes about sexual performance and masculinity, men interviewed in a large international study reported that being seen as honorable, self-reliant and respected was more important to their idea of masculinity ...
Researchers examine safety of Internet prescriber service providing erectile dysfunction medications
Aug 12, 2008 |
5 / 5 (1) |
1
Online Internet shopping today offers many benefits. You can research a product in the privacy of your own home and purchase most anything by clicking a mouse. But should we be allowed to buy prescription drugs via the Internet, ...
Erectile dysfunction drugs allowed more chemotherapy to reach brain tumors in laboratory study
Jul 28, 2008 |
1 / 5 (1) |
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In a study using laboratory animals, researchers found that medications commonly prescribed for erectile dysfunction opened a mechanism called the blood-brain tumor barrier and increased delivery of cancer-fighting drugs ...
Erectile dysfunction lower in men who have intercourse more often
Jul 02, 2008 |
3.5 / 5 (10) |
3
Having intercourse more often may help prevent the development of erectile dysfunction (ED). A study published in the July 2008 issue of The American Journal of Medicine reports that researchers have found that men who ha ...
