The Erectile Dysfunction directory contains links and articles relating to various authority websites on the subject of male impotence on the internet today. Mens health matters are not associated with any of these websites in any way, or the content you may find on them. We hope you find these resources useful.
What is erectile dysfunction?
When a man can't get an erection to have sex or can't keep an erection long enough to finish having sex, it's called erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is also called impotence. Erectile dysfunction can occur at any age, but it is more common in men older than 65.
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Is erectile dysfunction just a part of old age?
Physical causes of erectile dysfunction
Alcohol and tobacco use
Fatigue
Brain or spinal-cord injuries
Hypogonadism (which leads to lower testosterone levels)
Liver or kidney failure
Multiple sclerosis
Parkinson's disease
Radiation therapy to the testicles
Stroke
Some types of prostate or bladder surgery
Erectile dysfunction doesn't have to be a part of getting older. It's true that as you get older, you may need more stimulation (such as stroking and touching) to get an erection. You might also need more time between erections. But older men should still be able to get an erection and enjoy sex.
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What causes erectile dysfunction?
See the box to the right for some physical causes of erectile dysfunction. The following medical problems can also cause erectile dysfunction:
Diabetes (high blood sugar)
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
If you can't keep your blood sugar or your blood pressure under control, you can get erectile dysfunction. It's important that you take your medicines for these problems just the way your doctor tells you.
Sometimes your hormones get out of balance and this causes erectile dysfunction. Your doctor will decide if you need blood tests to check your hormones.
Some medicines can cause erectile dysfunction. If this is true for you, your doctor may take you off that medicine or give you a different one.
Drinking too much alcohol, smoking too much and abusing drugs can also cause erectile dysfunction.
Problems in your relationship with your sexual partner can also cause erectile dysfunction. You might try therapy to see if improving your relationship helps your sex life. Therapy will probably be most effective if your sex partner is included. Couples can learn new ways to please one another and to show affection. This can reduce any of your anxiety about having erections.
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Feelings that can lead to erectile dysfunction
Feeling nervous about sex, perhaps because of a bad experience or because of a previous episode of impotence
Feeling stressed, including stress from work or family situations
Being troubled by problems in your relationship with your sex partner
Feeling depressed
Feeling so self-conscious that you can't enjoy sex
Thinking that your partner is reacting negatively to you
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How is erectile dysfunction diagnosed?
Your doctor will probably start by asking you some questions and doing a physical exam. Samples of your blood and urine may be tested for diseases and disorders. Other tests may also be needed. Your doctor will determine which tests are right for you.
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How is erectile dysfunction treated?
How erectile dysfunction is treated depends on what things are causing it. After your doctor checks you for medical problems and medicines that might cause erectile dysfunction, he or she may have you try a medicine to help with erectile dysfunction. Some of these medicines are injected into your penis. Other medicines are taken by mouth. Not everyone can use these medicines. Your doctor will help you decide if you can try them.
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What other options do I have?
If the medicines aren't right for you, you could also try using vacuum pump devices, or you could have surgery. Your doctor may send you to an urologist to talk about these options.
Erectile Dysfunction
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