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Erectile Dysfunction; Its Causes and Treatment

Erectile dysfunction, the inability to get and maintain an erection, affects as many as 30 million men in the United States. More and more men are seeking treatment as the old taboos about openly discussing sex related conditions have been dispelled and treatment options are readily available. Commonly called impotence, erectile dysfunction is the persistent inability to achieve and sustain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. Erectile dysfunction does not affect the libido or the ability to have an orgasm. Erectile dysfunction incidences have risen with age as many men over the age of 60 have this condition.

Up to 75% of all cases of erectile dysfunction can be traced to underlying medical conditions, but the main causes are nerve disorders, reactions to medications, and vascular problems. The major cause of erectile dysfunction is diabetes. Diabetes coupled with erectile dysfunction can damage nerves and encourage atherosclerosis in the arteries, which causes blockages that interrupt blood flow to the penis. Erectile dysfunction is also a common side effect of many prescription drugs, most of which include medications for high blood pressure, heart ailments, and allergies. Recreational drugs are a major cause of erection problems.

Additional causes of erectile dysfunction include excessive alcohol consumption, low levels of testosterone, and the largest factor, smoking. Smoking is one of the greatest health enemies and is responsible for over 400,000 deaths per year. Smoking causes endothelial dysfunction, which causes erectile dysfunction. Less common factors include tension, stress, fatigue, anger or depression. Diabetes is the most common cause of sexual dysfunction in men. It has been estimated that up to 75% of diabetic men have erectile dysfunction.

Future treatments for erectile dysfunction typically focus on providing medications that work quickly, are more effective, and have fewer side effects. There are currently three oral medications available to treat erectile dysfunction. The three oral medications include Cialis, Levitra, and Viagra and a number of pharmaceutical companies are researching new treatments for erectile dysfunction. Many new options may be just around the corner.

There are also many erectile dysfunction treatment devices available on the market. These non medication devices include an erectile dysfunction vacuum, or penis pump. Penis implants may also offer a permanent solution to erectile dysfunction. Vascular reconstructive surgery may also be performed to improve the blood supply of the penis in order to improve a man's ability to get and maintain an erection. Because these procedures are considered technically difficult, very expensive, and not always effective, they are rarely performed.

The long term results from vascular reconstructive surgery have been disappointing with the best of results showing only 1 out of 20 men improved. Some men may choose to consider an alternative treatment in addition to traditional treatments for erectile dysfunction. Nutritional supplements are available which have shown an improvement in erectile function after receiving supplemental doses of DHEA. Anyone considering an alternative form of treatment for erectile dysfunction should seek the advice of a healthcare provider before getting started.