Erectile Dysfunction
(Erectile Difficulties · Impotence · Low Sex Drive - Male · Decreased Libido in Men)
In this condition factsheet:
The Facts on Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is the frequent or consistent inability to get or sustain an erection of the penis that is satisfactory for engaging in sexual intercourse. While most men occasionally fail to get an erection, or lose one prematurely during sexual activity, some men suffer from these problems regularly.
Accurate statistics are lacking on how many men are affected by the condition because it is often underreported, but it is estimated that about half of men over 40 in Canada have frequent problems achieving or maintaining an erection. The number of men suffering from erectile dysfunction increases with age, but it is not considered a normal part of aging. The majority of cases can be successfully treated.
Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
A wide range of diseases, medications, injuries, and psychological problems can cause erectile dysfunction. Here are some of the most common causes:
Circulatory problems: An erection occurs when the penis fills with blood and a valve at the base of the penis traps it. Diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, clots, and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) can all interfere with this process. Such circulatory problems are the number one cause of erectile dysfunction. Frequently, erectile dysfunction is the first noticeable symptom of cardiovascular disease.
Peyronie's disease: This disease causes fibres and plaques to appear in the genitals, interrupting blood flow.
Cancer: Cancer can interfere with nerves or arteries that are vital to erection.
Surgery: Surgery to the pelvis, and especially prostate surgery for prostate cancer, can damage the nerves and arteries that are required to gain and maintain an erection.
Spinal cord or pelvic injury: The nerves that stimulate erection can be cut by injury to them. Other causes of erectile difficulties related to the nervous system include stroke, seizure, and diabetic nerve damage.
Hormonal disorders: A lack of testosterone (male sex hormone) can result from testicular failure, pituitary gland problems, or certain medications.
Depression: This condition is a common cause of erectile dysfunction. Depression is a physical disorder as well as a psychiatric one, and it can have physical effects. This may be true even if you feel comfortable in a sexual situation.
Alcoholism: Chronic alcoholism can produce erectile dysfunction, even if there is no alcohol in the blood at the time of sex.
Smoking: Smoking cigarettes causes constriction of blood vessels. This may decrease blood flow to the penis, causing erectile dysfunction.
Performance anxiety: Most men have had erection problems at some point due to worrying about performing well during sexual intercourse. If this happens often, the anticipation of sex can trigger nervous reactions that prevent erection, setting up a vicious cycle.
Situational psychological problems: Some men have problems only in certain situations or with certain people. In troubled relationships, men may be unable to achieve erection with their partner but have no problem otherwise.
Sexual aversion: Being repelled by sex is rare. It is most common in people who suffered child abuse and those who have been brought up in strict religious surroundings. Aversion can also exist in homosexual or bisexual people who attempt to lead a heterosexual life against their basic inclinations.
Drugs: The following are some of the drugs that can cause erectile dysfunction:*
- alcohol
- anticancer medications
- antidepressants (e.g., citalopram, paroxetine, sertraline, amitriptyline)
- cocaine, heroin, marijuana
- estrogens
- opioids
- diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, chlorthalidone)
- antianxiety drugs and sedatives (e.g., diazepam)
Symptoms and Complications of Erectile Dysfunction
When a man is unable to get or maintain an erection, it is termed erectile dysfunction. It may also be called erectile difficulties.
A man may sometimes have erections, (e.g., when he wakes up in the morning), but be unable to get an erection during sex with his partner. This is often a sign of a psychological problem that may or may not have to do with that particular relationship.
If a man had regular erections in the past, but suddenly begins to have problems getting an erection, there's a chance that it's a nerve, hormonal, or circulatory problem, or the effect of alcohol, drugs, or medicine.
If a man still gets erections but they're not as hard or long lasting as in the past, it's quite likely that a circulatory problem is causing the dysfunction.
If surgery or injury is involved, the sufferer may already know what's causing the erectile dysfunction. A doctor should be consulted about possible solutions.
While erectile dysfunction is inevitably going to cause some anxiety, it's vital for sufferers to keep their relationship with their partner or spouse as regular as possible until a solution can be found. Modern medicine and therapeutic techniques can help most men with erection problems.
