What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is the difficulty or inability to achieve or maintain an erection of the penis that results in a satisfactory sexual relationship. It is also known as impotence. Erectile dysfunction is extremely common and increases with age. If it happens frequently, you should see a doctor.
What symptoms does it present?
The main symptom of erectile dysfunction is a change in the quality of the erection. If the cause is physical, you usually have the inability to have an erection when you wake up in the morning. Erectile dysfunction can affect both your ability to have an erection and the length of time an erection lasts.
Erectile dysfunction can also involve a loss of sexual desire.
What causes erectile dysfunction?
There are many causes of erectile dysfunction, including:
- Physical causes – such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, the side effects of medication, alcoholism, multiple sclerosis, hormonal problems, and sleeping problems.
- Psychological causes – such as stress, anxiety, depression, or issues within your relationship.
Erectile dysfunction can also occur after treatment, including surgery on the spinal cord or prostate.
Your chances of being affected by erectile dysfunction increase with age, drug or alcohol use, and are higher if you are overweight.
What is the usual age for erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is more common as people age. It's been found that approximately 40 per cent of men are affected at age 40 and nearly 70 per cent of men are affected in their seventies.
Can erectile dysfunction be prevented?
You cannot always prevent erectile dysfunction, but you can reduce your risk by:
- giving up smoking;
- maintaining a healthy weight;
- getting regular exercise.
How is erectile dysfunction diagnosed?
In most cases diagnosis simply involves asking you about your symptoms and when they started. If the doctor suspects a physical cause that needs investigating, they might refer your for follow-up tests, such as blood tests or an ultrasound.
How can you fix erectile dysfunction?
Treatment depends on whether there is an underlying cause - tackling the root of the problem should improve symptoms.
Beyond this the most common form of treatment for erectile dysfunction is medication, which is widely available and effective in making it easier to get an erection. If the problem is low testosterone levels, your treatment may involve hormone replacement therapy.
If medication is not effective, other treatment options include:
- penis pumps – this may not be directly available from your doctor
- penile implants – a surgical procedure to implant rods which help you control your erections
If the problem is psychological, there are various therapies available, including:
11-13-2012 06-28-2023Erectile dysfunction
What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is the difficulty or inability to achieve or maintain an erection of the penis that results in a satisfactory sexual relationship. It is also known as impotence. Erectile dysfunction is extremely common and increases with age. If it happens frequently, you should see a doctor.
What symptoms does it present?
The main symptom of erectile dysfunction is a change in the quality of the erection. If the cause is physical, you usually have the inability to have an erection when you wake up in the morning. Erectile dysfunction can affect both your ability to have an erection and the length of time an erection lasts.
Erectile dysfunction can also involve a loss of sexual desire.
What causes erectile dysfunction?
There are many causes of erectile dysfunction, including:
- Physical causes – such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, the side effects of medication, alcoholism, multiple sclerosis, hormonal problems, and sleeping problems.
- Psychological causes – such as stress, anxiety, depression, or issues within your relationship.
Erectile dysfunction can also occur after treatment, including surgery on the spinal cord or prostate.
Your chances of being affected by erectile dysfunction increase with age, drug or alcohol use, and are higher if you are overweight.
What is the usual age for erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is more common as people age. It's been found that approximately 40 per cent of men are affected at age 40 and nearly 70 per cent of men are affected in their seventies.
Can erectile dysfunction be prevented?
You cannot always prevent erectile dysfunction, but you can reduce your risk by:
- giving up smoking;
- maintaining a healthy weight;
- getting regular exercise.
How is erectile dysfunction diagnosed?
In most cases diagnosis simply involves asking you about your symptoms and when they started. If the doctor suspects a physical cause that needs investigating, they might refer your for follow-up tests, such as blood tests or an ultrasound.
How can you fix erectile dysfunction?
Treatment depends on whether there is an underlying cause - tackling the root of the problem should improve symptoms.
Beyond this the most common form of treatment for erectile dysfunction is medication, which is widely available and effective in making it easier to get an erection. If the problem is low testosterone levels, your treatment may involve hormone replacement therapy.
If medication is not effective, other treatment options include:
- penis pumps – this may not be directly available from your doctor
- penile implants – a surgical procedure to implant rods which help you control your erections
If the problem is psychological, there are various therapies available, including:
Bocox™: An innovative treatment solution for erectile dysfunction
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We learn more about how erectile dysfunction can be treated with Botox in this informative guide from Dr Nadia Yousri, a highly esteemed OB-GYN surgeon, aesthetic gynaecology and sexual medicine specialist consultant, and regenerative cosmetic specialist. See more
Erectile dysfunction: what is sex like with an inflatable penile prosthesis?
By Mr Rowland Rees
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Erectile dysfunction can be a fairly common problem, particularly amongst older men. Whilst there are several treatment options, some cases can benefit from having a penile prosthesis inserted surgically. Mr Rowland Rees, a leading urologist and male genito-urethral surgeon, explains what is involved in this procedure and what patients can expect post-op. See more
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Erectile dysfunction is a common condition, which may be caused by either physical or psychological reasons. The good news is that it's completely treatable! Read more from our expert urologist Professor Francis Chingewundoh MBE on all of the treatment options available to ensure you get your sex life back on track. See more
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Benign prostate enlargement, or BPE, is a very common occurrence, but what are the steps to take if you think you have it? Here to address this issue, alongside other frequently-asked questions about BPE, is leading urologist Mr Sudhanshu Chitale. See more
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Medicare Clinic
Medicare Clinic
603 Oxford Rd, Reading RG30 1HL, United Kingdom
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Spire Little Aston Hospital
Spire Little Aston Hospital
Little Aston Hall Drive, Sutton Coldfield, B74 3UP
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The Urology Partnership
The Urology Partnership
11 Kendrick Road Reading, RG1 5DU
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