Erectile dysfunction (“ED”), whether it is the inability to have erections or the experience of weak erections, is a medical condition that plagues many men around the world. Approximately 90% of ED patients consider it a non-medical problem and suffer in silence, while only 10% of patients seek medical treatment. The foremost ED fact to note is that the disorder can be managed effectively if the patient seeks medical help early. Seeing a doctor as soon as one recognizes prolonged erection problems is beneficial. Moreover, the condition will often require comprehensive care and the support of one’s spouse. With support from their partners, men are more likely to accept their condition, seek treatment, and regain sexual confidence.
Secondly, it is important to know that erectile dysfunction (simply stated as loss of penis firmness) may occur normally with age. Around 50% of all men ages 40 to 70 experience episodes of difficulty in achieving erections or have less potent erections. Moreover, male impotence due to aging is more common in men who have sexual intercourse less often. Older men should only be concerned about ED if the inability to have or maintain erections lasts more than one month. Such extended durations of ED result in loss of sexual confidence and impact relationships. Men should seek immediate ED treatment if they have lost early morning and nocturnal erections.
Thirdly, erectile dysfunction may indicate severe underlying health conditions, particularly cardiovascular disorder. The ability to get erections is directly linked to the cardiovascular system. When the heart pumps blood normally, the penis and other reproductive organs will receive requisite nutrients for use during trigger and control of erections. Strong erections result from sufficient blood flow to the penis and erectile dysfunction may indicate a vascular disease which may cause stroke or heart attack. Seeking ED treatment may save your life!
There is a variety of therapeutic options for erectile dysfunction ranging from pills, medications (Cialis, Viagra), pumps, implantable devices and injections. A man and his partner should explore various options with a urologist in order to choose the most suitable option. Individuals should also know that ED medications only boost blood flow in order to make sexual intercourse happen, but they neither enhance libido nor fix relationships.
Male impotence is not the same as male infertility. While infertile males can have erections, their sperm cannot fertilize the female eggs (ovum). Conversely, males with erectile dysfunction may, on achieving erections, produce sperms capable of fertilization. In some cases, however, men may have both male infertility and male impotence. Call or visit St Pete Urology for help with erectile dysfunction.