Erectil Dysfunction

What is ED? 
Erectile dysfunction (ED), or impotence, means a man is not able to obtain or maintain an erection firm enough for successful sexual intercourse. Overall, between 10% and 30% of men of all ages will suffer from ED on a recurring or ongoing basis. Most men will experience the problem at some stage in their lives, with the incidence of ED increasing with age. 

What Causes ED? 
There are two categories of ED: physical ED and psychological ED. 
Physical ED may result from damage or deterioration to nerves or blood vessels of the penis. It may also be caused by problems with hormones like Testosterone. Many drugs, and alcohol, can cause ED as a side effect. Smoking can also damage the arteries in the body and cause ED. Nerves damaged by spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, or surgery can give rise to erection difficulties.
Psychological (or emotional) ED arises from fear, stress, worry, anger or frustration. It may also develop from "performance anxiety" (a man's fear that he won't perform well during sexual intercourse), or from the embarrassment of premature ejaculation.

Can Erectile Dysfunction be Prevented? 
In some cases, yes. Reducing stress, or sharing concerns with your partner or doctor can help psychological ED. Physical impotence can be avoided by following a prudent diet and lifestyle that includes cutting back on alcohol and smoking. Diabetics must control their blood sugar levels with normal ranges. 

How is ED Diagnosed? 
On taking the patient's history, the physician may ask how the erection difficulties developed. Generally, physical ED develops over months or years, starting with a gradual loss of firmness in the erection. Over time, it takes longer to have an erection and is more difficult to maintain one. The physician conducts a thorough examination and may select tests to differentiate between physical and psychological ED. 

Is an Impotent Man Infertile? 
No! An infertile man does not produce enough effective sperm to conceive a child. A man who had erectile dysfunction (or impotence) can be perfectly fertile, so being impotent does not mean a man can not have children. Often erectile dysfunction is easier to treat than infertility.