Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get and keep an erection long enough for sexual intercourse. Studies show that 1 in 10 men will suffer from ED at some point during their lifetime. It is important to know that in most cases, ED is a symptom of another, underlying health problem.
How common is erectile dysfunction?
Many men do experience occasional failure to attain an erection, which can occur due to drinking too much alcohol, relationship problem, or stress. The failure to get an erection less than 20% of the time is not unusual and does not require treatment. However, the failure to achieve an erection more than 50% of the time generally means that there is a problem and treatment is needed.
Symptoms and Causes
What causes erectile dysfunction (ED)?
Some of the physical causes of ED include:
- Vascular disease
- Neurological disorders
- Psychological state
- Trauma
- Chronic illness and certain medications
Common medications that may cause potential side effects leading to ED include:
- Diuretics
- Antihypertensives
- Antihistamines
- Antidepressants
- Parkinson’s disease drugs
- Antiarrhythmics
- Tranquilizers
- Muscle relaxants
- Hormones
- Chemotherapy medications
- Prostate cancer drugs
- Anti-seizure medications
Other substances or drugs that can lead to ED include these frequently abused drugs:
- Alcohol
- Amphetamines
- Barbiturates
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Methadone
- Nicotine
- Opiates
Diagnosis and Tests
How is erectile dysfunction (ED) diagnosed?
As there are many causes for ED, there are several different tests your doctor may use to diagnose the condition and determine its cause. Only after the cause of ED is discovered can it be effectively treated.
Before conducting any tests, your doctor will go through your medical history and perform a thorough physical and mental examination. The doctor will also ask about your personal and sexual history. Some of these questions will be very personal, however, it is important that you answer these questions honestly.
After your physical examination and interview, your doctor may conduct one of the following tests to further diagnose your condition:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Lipid profile
- Blood hormone studies
- Urinalysis
- Duplex ultrasound
- Bulbocavernosus reflex
- Nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT)
How is erectile dysfunction treated?
ED can be treated in many ways, including:
- Oral medications
- Sex therapy
- Penile injections
- Vacuum devices
- Intraurethral medication
- Surgery
Best Treatment for ED
Medications containing Sildenafil Citrates such as Cenforce 150, Fildena 150, or drugs containing Tadalafil such as Tadarise, Tadalista may help improve sexual function in men by increasing blood flow to the penis. Before taking the medicine consult your doctor if you are fit to take these medicines as they may cause side effects.