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Impotence and Associated
Risks
Erectile
dysfunction (ED) affects the lives of 15 million
to 30 million American men and their partners. Erectile
dysfunction(ED), also termed as impotency can be defined
as the powerlessness to achieve or sustain an erection
necessary for sexual gratification, it is entirely different
from other factors that hamper sexual
intercourse, like lack of sexual desire, problems
in ejaculation or orgasm. Erectile dysfunction has several
categories; some men suffer from permanent ED, others
from inconsistent ED, and still others from brief erection.
Although erectile dysfunction is more common in men
older than 65, it can occur at any age. An occasional
incident of erectile dysfunction happens to most men
and is perfectly normal. In fact, in most cases it's
nothing to worry about. As men age, it's also normal
to familiarity changes in erectile function. Erections
may take longer to expand, may not be as severe or may
require more direct stimulation to be achieved. Men
may also notice that orgasms are less intense, the volume
of ejaculate is reduced and recovery time increases
between erections.
When erectile dysfunction proves to be a pattern or
a constant problem, however, it can interfere with a
man's self-image as well as his sexual life. It may
also be a sign of a physical or emotional problem that
requires treatment.
Erectile dysfunction, formerly called impotence, was
once a taboo subject. But attitudes are changing. More
men are in quest of help for the problem, and doctors
are gaining a better understanding of what causes erectile
dysfunction and are finding new and better ways to treat
it.
Hazardous Erectile Dysfunction
A wide variety of physical and expressive risk factors
can contribute to erectile dysfunction. They include-
- Physical and Psychological Factors -
Physical disorders such as chronic diseases of the
lungs, liver, kidneys, heart, nerves, arteries or
veins can lead to impotence. So can endocrine system
disorders, particularly diabetes. The accumulation
of deposits (plaques) in your arteries (atherosclerosis)
also can prevent adequate blood from entering the
penis. And in some men, erectile dysfunction may be
caused by low levels of the hormone testosterone (male
hypogonadism). . Psychological conditions also contribute
to some cases of erectile dysfunction.
- Surgical Damage - Erectile dysfunction
may result from an injury to the pelvic area or spinal
cord. Surgery to treat bladder, rectal or prostate
cancer also can result in erectile dysfunction. Prolonged
bicycle riding can cause a temporary problem.
- Medications - A wide range of
drugs - including antidepressants, antihistamines
and medications to treat high blood pressure, pain
and prostate cancer - can cause erectile dysfunction
by interfering with nerve impulses or blood flow to
the penis. Tranquilizers and sleeping aids also may
pose a problem.
- Excessive Alcoholism or Drug Use -
Chronic use of alcohol, marijuana or other drugs often
causes erectile dysfunction and decreased sexual
drive. Excessive tobacco use also can damage penile
arteries.
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