Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction
(ED), also known as impotence, is a type of sexual dysfunction characterized by
the inability to develop or maintain an erection of the penis during sexual
activity. Erectile dysfunction can have psychological consequences as it can be
tied to relationship difficulties and self-image.
The most important
organic causes of impotence are cardiovascular disease and diabetes,
neurological problems (for example, trauma from prostatectomy surgery),
hormonal insufficiencies (hypogonadism) and drug side effects. Psychological
impotence is where erection or penetration fails due to thoughts or feelings
(psychological reasons) rather than physical impossibility; this is somewhat
less frequent but can often be helped. In psychological impotence, there is a
strong response to placebo treatment.
Besides treating the
underlying causes such as potassium deficiency or arsenic contamination of
drinking water, the first line treatment of erectile dysfunction consists of a
trial of PDE5 inhibitor (such as sildenafil). In some cases, treatment can
involve prostaglandin tablets in the urethra, injections into the penis, a
penile prosthesis, a penis pump or vascular reconstructive surgery
Comments
Post a Comment