Understanding Erectile Dysfunction: All You Need To Know
Based on data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, approximately one million Australian men grapple with Erectile Dysfunction (ED). Notably, the prevalence peaks among men aged 60-69 years old, with a staggering 70% encountering some level of ED within this demographic.
Erectile dysfunction (ED), formerly termed impotence, is defined as the failure to achieve or maintain a rigid penile erection suitable for satisfactory sexual intercourse. This can profoundly impact one’s quality of life and relationships.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common issue prevalent among men in Australia and worldwide. It is projected by the Internal Journal of Impotence Research that the worldwide prevalence of erectile dysfunction is expected to increase to 322 million men by 2025.
Types of Erectile Dysfunction
Healthcare providers at Cleveland Clinic separate ED into several categories :
- Vascular erectile dysfunction – the most prevalent type, stems from issues affecting the blood vessels supplying blood to the penile tissues responsible for erection, or those affecting the valves that regulate blood flow in the penis.
- Neurogenic erectile dysfunction – arises due to nerve-related problems disrupting the transmission of signals from the brain to the penis for erection formation. This can result from various factors such as trauma, pelvic surgery, radiation therapy, or neurological disorders like stroke, spinal stenosis, and multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Hormonal erectile dysfunction – occurs due to testosterone deficiency or, in some cases, thyroid disorders.
- Psychogenic erectile dysfunction – is associated with psychological conditions that impact thoughts, feelings, or behavior and can lead to ED.
What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) can have a range of causes, including physical, neurological, psychological, mental, relationship problems or, oftentimes, a combination of both.
Understanding the underlying cause of ED is important for determining the most effective treatment plan.
- Medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and hormonal imbalances.
- Neurological conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease.
- Medical treatments like prostate surgery, radiation therapy for cancer.
- Some prescription medications like antidepressants, blood pressure medications may cause ED as a side effect.
- Anxiety, Depression, Stress
- Mental health issues can interfere with sexual function by affecting the brain’s ability to signal sexual arousal to the body.
- Poor communication
- Infidelity
- Lack of intimacy can also contribute to ED by creating stress and tension.
- Obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption are linked to higher ED risk.
- Sedentary lifestyle and poor diet increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, contributing to ED.
In certain instances, ED can result from a blend of physical and psychological factors. For instance, a diabetic individual may encounter ED due to both nerve damage and impaired blood flow to the penis, compounded by psychological stress stemming from their condition.
Overall, ED may be a warning sign of an underlying medical condition. Understanding the underlying causes of ED is an important step towards effective treatment. By speaking with a healthcare provider and addressing underlying medical or psychological factors, men can take control of their sexual health and improve their overall wellbeing.
Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction
- Occasionally experiencing difficulty in achieving an erection before sexual intercourse.
- Achieving an erection before sexual intercourse but struggling to sustain it during sexual intercourse.
- Complete inability to achieve an erection.
- Requiring and needing significant stimulation to maintain an erection.
Treatment Options for Erectile Dysfunction
Depending on the cause and severity of your erectile dysfunction and any underlying health conditions, there are various treatment options available to you. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of each treatment and take into account your preferences. Your partner’s preferences may also influence your treatment decisions.
- Oral drugs or pills known as phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors are most often prescribed in Australia are avanafil, sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil.
- Testosterone Therapy (when low testosterone is detected in blood testing)
- Penile Injections (ICI, intracavernosal Alprostadil)
- Intraurethral medication (IU, Alprostadil)
- Vacuum Erection Devices
Penile Implants - Surgery to bypass penile artery damage for some younger men with a history of severe pelvic trauma. Penile vascular surgery is not recommended for older men with hardened arteries.
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