Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. It is a very common and highly treatable condition that can cause sexual performance problems in men. While it may not always be possible to prevent erectile dysfunction, taking care of yourself can help you avoid persistent problems. The most common causes of erectile dysfunction in older men are conditions that block blood flow to the penis, such as hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and diabetes.
Other causes may include a defective vein that allows blood to drain too quickly from the penis, hormonal imbalances, and certain operations. Problems with achieving or maintaining an erection can also be a sign of an underlying health condition that requires treatment and a risk factor for heart disease. In general, the hardest part of diagnosing erectile dysfunction is overcoming the embarrassment that comes with talking about it. Fortunately, having problems in the bedroom doesn't necessarily mean you have erectile dysfunction.
For example, erectile dysfunction is not necessarily the result of aging and is often the result of an underlying physical health problem. Reluctance to seek treatment remains the main barrier to restoring full sexual function for men with erectile dysfunction. Yale Medicine Urology offers many advanced medical and surgical options for treating erectile dysfunction. The survey says that more than 50 percent of people with erectile dysfunction problems during sexual intercourse as a couple have no problem viewing pornography. Erectile dysfunction can be an uncomfortable topic to discuss with your doctor, partner, and friends.
However, it doesn't have to be because nearly all cases of erectile dysfunction are treatable. Treatment can improve the overall physical and emotional health of almost all patients, as well as improve the intimacy of couples.
