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What is erection dysfunction (ED)?
Erection dysfunction (ED) is defined as the inability to obtain or keep án erection strong enough to have sexual activity. It’s generally known as impotence sometimes.
Most men experience ED occasionally often associated with stress. ED on a regular basis can be an indication of health issues that require treatment. It may also be an indicator of psychological or relationship troubles that might need to become resolved by a specialist.
Causes of Erectile dysfunction,
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Parkinson’s disease
- Trauma from surgery, such as surgery related to prostate cancer
- Relationship problems
- Fear of intimacy or performance anxiety
- Drug abuse
- Alcoholism
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Hormonal problems (e.g. thyroid disease)
- Certain prescription medications
Treatment of Erectile dysfunction.
The first step in the management of erectile dysfunction would be to evaluate the presence of the above factors and treat them. In the treatment of ED, here we will discuss the most commonly prescribed medications for erectile dysfunction, and proven behavioral interventions known to improve ED.
The medications used in the treatment of ED.
PDE5 inhibitors such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil, and vardenafil are medically indicated and the most commonly prescribed medications for the treatment of erectile problems.
How do they work?
Part of the physiological process of erection involves the discharge of nitric oxide (NO) into the vasculature of the corpus cavernosum( a part of the erectile mechanism in the penis) following sexual stimulation. NO activates the enzyme guanylate cyclase which results in improved levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), Leading to muscle relaxation of blood vessels supplying the corpus cavernosum, leading to an erection.
PDE5 inhibitors inhibit the degradation of cGMP by PDE5, increasing blood flow to the penis during lovemaking excitement.
Though most people benefit from PDE5 inhibitors, a large majority of those with ED do not require medication. Sex education and behavioral techniques can vastly improve ED in a large number of people and should be the first step, in the management of ED.
Learn the sensate focus to treat ED on the next page.