Erectile Dysfunction – AMS Patient Video
Erectile dysfunction is a condition wherein a man has difficulty attaining or sustaining an erection during intercourse. This condition is sometimes called impotence. Most men will experience erectile dysfunction at some point in their lives, but chronic erectile problems need medical intervention.
Why It Happens
Erectile dysfunction has a variety of causes. Some men experience the condition due to the weakening of the body as they age. Conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can also attribute to erectile dysfunction. If the area around the penis is damaged in an accident or through surgery, erectile dysfunction can occur. Psychological factors can also cause the problem.
Incidence
Studies seem to indicate that all men will experience erectile dysfunction at some point. Chronic erectile dysfunction can happen to up to 30 million men each year. The incidence of the condition increases as men age, with around half of all men ages 40 to 70 experiencing chronic erectile dysfunction.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The goal of diagnosis of erectile dysfunction is to determine the cause so proper treatment can be chosen. If psychological problems are the cause, therapy is usually the treatment. If a physiological problem is discovered that was not caused by injury to the area, medications such as Viagra, Cialis or Levitra can help. Underlying physical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can sometimes be treated in order to also treat the erectile dysfunction. Surgical implants that allow erections to occur can also be used in cases where medications are not effective.
