Erectile Dysfunction

What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile Dysfunction is the collective term used for a number of common erection problems. The most frequently occurring erectile problem men have to deal with is a difficulty in obtaining or sustaining and erection, this is also known as impotence. Issues with orgasm, ejaculating, a low or lacking sex drive and an inability to have long erections are also classed under erectile dysfunction and may require erectile dysfunction treatment.

Types of erectile dysfunction

It is easy to confuse the term erectile dysfunction (ED) and impotence, as it is often portrayed as the same thing. This can lead to many men misdiagnosing themselves and therefore it is important to make a distinction between the two terms. ED is in fact an umbrella term for a number of sexual problems, impotence is one of them. Not all these conditions may have the same erectile dysfunction treatment.

• Impotence is a continuous inability for a man to maintain or even achieve an erection long enough to have satisfactory sexual intercourse. This condition tends to be more common in men over 40, but it can affect men of all ages and is one of the most common erectile dysfunction problems.
• Regular problems with orgasms and ejaculation are also grouped under ED problems. These problems may include an inability to control when you ejaculate or orgasm, something which is also known as premature ejaculation. Having regular difficulty reaching an orgasm, which is often called retrograde ejaculation, may also be classed as a form of erectile dysfunction.
• Another type of ED is when a man suffers from an inability to get an erection that is firm enough to have satisfactory sexual intercourse. This may be due to the fact that not enough blood is able to reach the penis, which often is because the correct chemical processes aren't happening at a cellular level. The erectile dysfunction treatment for this condition is usually administered by an endocrinologist.
• The same term can also be applied to conditions where men tend to achieve erections for short periods of time. All processes are happening correctly, but the erection is still not hard enough for satisfactory penetrative sex.
• Some men can suffer from lowered sexual desire, or a complete lack of desire for sex. But this is very rare and is not usually considered to relate to erectile problems.

Erectile dysfunction is a condition that affects men of all ages; it does however have some links to ageing as it is more prone to occur in men over 40. Although age is a contributing factor, it doesn't mean that it's one of the only causes, which is why these conditions require different erectile dysfunction treatments. Men who are taking certain medications, recovering from surgery, living a particularly unhealthy lifestyle or who are under a significant amount of stress are also prone to developing erectile problems.

Erectile dysfunction treatment options

ED may have many causes; some are easier to treat than others. If you feel that you are suffering from any one of the above mentioned conditions, it is always a good idea to keep a record of your symptoms and their possible causes. Knowing your condition can potentially help you to find the right erectile dysfunction treatment quicker.

The most common treatment for impotence is oral medication, of which the most well known are Levitra, Cialis and Viagra. These treatments work to combat the root causes of impotence, and they should be taken shortly before you want to have sex. You can find out more about the other impotence treatments available for this condition by visiting the impotence treatments page.

There is one main treatment available for premature ejaculation, known as Priligy which is a serotonin re-uptake inhibitor. If the causes of your erection problems are hormonal there are various hormone replacement erectile dysfunction treatments available to help stimulate circulation in the penis. Should emotional factors be the cause, seeking support from a psychoanalyst or a cognitive behavioural therapist may be the best erectile dysfunction treatment for you.