Erectile dysfunction(ED) - Cause and Cure
Erectile dysfunction, sometimes called “impotence,” is the repeated inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. The word “impotence” may also be used to describe other problems that interfere with sexual intercourse and reproduction, such as lack of sexual desire and problems with ejaculation or orgasm. Using the term erectile dysfunction makes it clear that those other problems are not involved.
The physiological process of erection begins in the brain and involves the nervous and vascular systems. Physical or psychological stimulation causes nerves to send messages to the vascular system, which results in significant blood flow to the penis. Two arteries in the penis supply blood to erectile tissue and the corpora cavernosa, which become engorged and expand as a result of increased blood flow and pressure.
How erectile dysfunction is treated depends on what things are causing it. After your doctor checks you for medical problems and medicines that might cause erectile dysfunction, he or she may have you try a medicine to help with erectile dysfunction. Some of these medicines are injected into your penis. Other medicines are taken by mouth like Cialis and Viagra. Not everyone can use these medicines. Your doctor will help you decide if you can try them.
Successful treatment of sexual dysfunction has been demonstrated to improve sexual intimacy and satisfaction, improve sexual aspects of quality of life, improve overall quality of life, and relieve symptoms of depression. Treatment of ED depends on the cause. Testosterone supplements may be used for cases with hormonal deficiency. However, usually the cause is lack of adequate penile blood supply as a result of age-dependent damage of inner walls of blood vessels.
After all the information regarding the patient’s health status has been gathered, the various options in management can be discussed. This is best completed in the presence of the patient and his partner. Options include sexual counseling if no organic causes can be found for the dysfunction, oral medications, external vacuum devices, or some type of invasive therapy, including the use of intracavernosal injection therapy or the Medicated Urethral System for Erections (MUSE) intraurethral suppository. Gene therapy for ED is now being tested in several centers and may offer a long-lasting therapeutic approach for ED.
In the majority of cases, erectile dysfunction can be successfully treated. It is therefore important for patients to seek advice from their doctor, for the good of themselves, their partners and their relationships.
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