Erectile dysfunction can mean a number of things, ranging from the inability of a certain patient to get his erection hard enough to have sex or inconsistent ability to do so to complete inability to achieve an erection. According to the estimates, only in the United States there are over 35 million males suffering from chronic erectile dysfunction.
Almost one fifth of males over 60 are impotent, and the incidence is increasing the older the male gets. However, it’s a mistake to think that old age is the reason why men become impotent. Instead, it’s the medical issues they have accumulated over the time that can affect their circulation, leading to erection problems. Some men experience erectile dysfunction quite early, because they take certain prescription drugs or have a history of a surgery, during which some nerves or arteries were injured.
Risk factors for developing erectile dysfunction are numerous and include tobacco use, being overweight, having medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, using drugs, drinking too much alcohol and many other ones. There is no way to tell which of those risk factors will one day result in male impotence, which is why leading a healthy lifestyle is a part of erectile dysfunction prevention.
Since the brain plays a key role in triggering an erection, psychological causes are just as important. The following ones are most probable psychological causes of erectile dysfunction: relationship problems, stress, anxiety, mental health conditions, and depression. If these causes are timely and properly treatment, there may be no need to treat erectile dysfunction. Things are likely to get back to normal as soon as the patient deals with the underlying cause.
There are a few alternative treatments available, such as acupuncture, and supplements containing ginseng, ginkgo, L-arginine or Yohimbine.
Before trying any alternative methods, it’s always a good idea to get a professional opinion. You want to make sure you are not overly sensitive to a particular ingredient in the supplement of your choice.
In addition to trying erectile dysfunction drugs or alternative methods, the patient needs to be sure there is complete understanding of the situation between him and the partner. Many men consider erectile dysfunction a very serious problem, their embarrassment aggravating the condition even more. Positive attitude goes a long way, allowing staying calm and dealing with the problem in most efficient way.
In general, erectile dysfunction is very easy to treat and keep under control. Most erectile dysfunction treatments available by prescription have high success rate and target the physical cause of the problem: insufficient blood flow. They work for males of any age, no matter what their impotence was caused by. However, some males may require a lower dose or a higher one to suit their individual needs better. |