Male Erectile Dysfunction |
Erectile dysfunction, previously termed as impotence, is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection long enough for sexual satisfaction of both partners. There are many measures of erectile dysfunction ranging from a total inability or an inconsistency in achieving or maintaining an erection to maintaining erections just briefly. Based on this definition, it has been reported that about 30 million men in the USA suffer from some degree of impotence. Studies have shown that 80% of impotence cases can be traced to physical causes, while the remaining percentage can be accredited to psychological conditions.Damage to the arteries, smooth muscles and fibrous tissues are the most common physical causes reported for impotence.Apart from such injuries, other physical origins could be certain diseases (diabetes, multiple sclerosis,), hormonal disorders, surgery (removal of the prostrate gland,) and substance abuse (alcohol, tobacco, drugs, other medications). In older men, Impotence is generally traced to physical causes, such as an illness, injury, or side effects of drugs. Erectile dysfunction can also be caused by psychological factors such as depression, anxiety, stress, lack of self-confidence, indifference and guilt. Sometimes moving to a different location, distraction while aroused, etc. may also lead to erectile problems. Psychological causes could also be secondary reactions to underlying physical problems. |