Erectile Dysfunction is a disorder of a sexual nature in which a man has difficulty maintaining his erection. Sometimes the erection is achieved normally but is lost within a few minutes. Other times the male can not obtain an erection at all. It is a common occurrence in men and causes of the disorder vary. By the age of 45 most men have experienced Erectile Dysfunction at one time during their lives or another. It effects young men as well as old and should not be labeled as an old man’s disease. Erectile Dysfunction is also known as impotence, male impotence, or simply ED.

The physical erectile dysfunction symptoms are very easy to spot and diagnose. The sufferer will have a difficult time achieving an erection and may not have one at all no matter how excited he is. If an erection is achieved it may not last long enough to make it through an entire sexual encounter. Sometimes the erection may last but will not be hard enough for the man to perform. This is due to the lack of blood flowing to the penis. If blood flow to the penis is not adequate, it can not expand enough to maintain its hardness. Other Erectile Dysfunction signs are anxiety, depression, mood swings, and lack of interest in participating in sexual activities.

There are several different causes one erectile dysfunction. One is psychological. Stress from the job, a recent breakup of a relationship, loss of job, a death in the family, or exposure to abuse could all initiate a bout of erectile dysfunction. Since sexual performance is closely linked to mental and emotional health the erectile dysfunction may stay until those issues get resolved.

Some medications also cause erectile dysfunction. Any substance that interferes with blood flow, brain operations, or heart rate could be the culprit in bringing this disorder. Examples of medications that could cause erectile dysfunction are: medicines used to treat prostate cancer, chemotherapy drugs, muscle relaxers, H2-receptor antagonists, Antiarrythmics, Parkinson’s disease medications, Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antihistamines, anti-anxiety drugs, depression medications, and blood pressure medicines.

Frequent use of alcohol and controlled dangerous substances may also cause erectile dysfunction. The reason that these drugs lead to erectile dysfunction is because they effect the central nervous system. Examples of controlled dangerous substance are: cocaine, opiates, methadone, marijuana, barbituates, and amphetamines. Nicotine over usage may also lead to erectile dysfunction.

Medical conditions such as prostate cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease, and spinal cord injury can be the reason for a person’s erectile dysfunction. In the case of prostate cancer the whole reproductive system is experiencing difficulty so it is common for erectile dysfunction to develop. With a spinal cord injury the dysfunction lies within the nerve that may be severely damaged to the point of not responding to signals from the brain.

Treatment for erectile dysfunction depends on the cause of the specific case. A doctor must physically examine a patient and speak with him in order to come up with a proper treatment plan. For example, most cases can be cured with temporary use of the drug Viagra. Viagra is an oral tablet that increases the blood flow to the penis. Viagra works in a large number of erectile dysfunction patients. However, it is not acceptable treatment for someone who has heart disease or any issues with the arteries.

Vacuum therapy is another way treating ED. It involves using a penal vacuum that draws blood into the penis by applying negative pressure. It is also referred to as a penis pump. Injection therapy and surgery are other great alternatives.