Information about erectile dysfunction and its causes

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability of getting or
retaining an erection that is sufficient for intercourse. ED is caused by
physiological and psychological factors. Most cases of ED are temporary in
nature and can be treated by consulting an urologist. There is no conclusive
evidence to prove whether ED is hereditary because there are a large number of
factors in the erection process. Commonly known as impotence, erectile
dysfunction (ED) is characterized by the inability of getting or retaining an
erection that is sufficient for the purpose of intercourse. The term
‘impotence’ implies the presence of other sexual problems such as low libido,
premature ejaculation or low sperm count. Erectile dysfunction, on the other
hand, refers to the problems associated with penile erection only. ED can be a
partial, total or inconsistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection.
ED can be caused by physiological as well as psychological
factors. You are at risk of getting ED if you suffer from any disorder that
injures your nerves or blocks the flow of blood to your penis. Damage to the
arteries, nerves, fibrous tissues or the smooth muscles involved in the
erection process is one of the commonest causes of ED. Other medical conditions
such as kidney disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, atherosclerosis,
cardiovascular disease, as well as alcoholism account for most cases of ED.
Lifestyle patterns that lead to heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases,
along with smoking, obesity and lack of adequate exercise are also possible
causes of ED. Certain kinds of surgery, bladder and prostate surgery for
instance, as well as radiation therapy for cancer, can injure your penile
arteries and nerves and cause ED. It can be the side effect of certain
medicines including antihistamines, tranquilizers, blood pressure medications,
antidepressants and appetite suppressants. The psychological factors that
contribute to this problem include anxiety, stress, guilt, low self esteem, and
depression and performance anxiety.
Is erectile dysfunction permanent?
Most cases of ED are temporary in nature and can be
effectively treated by consulting an urologist. Some of the cases can be
treated simply by making healthy lifestyle choices such as quitting smoking,
cutting back on alcohol, losing weight or getting regular exercise. If your
problem is being caused by the harmful effects of medications, ask your doctor
to change the dosage or prescribe alternative medications. Some cases of ED can
be treated by behavior modification and psychotherapy. If non-invasive ED
treatments are not effective, you can also consider vacuum devices, surgical
implants or local injections. Your doctor may also suggest surgery that
involves arteries or veins. ED medications can be directly injected into your
penis or urethra or taken orally in the form of pills.
Is erectile dysfunction hereditary?
Genealogical inheritance or heredity involves the
transference of certain genetic characteristics such as eye, hair and skin
color, shoulder structure and hair growth from parents to offspring. Certain
medical conditions such as diabetes too can be passed on from generation to
generation. Many studies have tried to determine whether ED can pass on from father
to son. However, there is no conclusive evidence either way because of the
involvement of a large number of factors in the erection process.
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