No doubt about it, great sex is a powerful gift from nature. Start having regular great sex and it can ease, soothe and lift you like nothing on earth. But what if your penis just doesn't do what it's suppose to and leaves you frustrated and struggling with erectile dysfunction? What is Erectile Dysfunction It is defined as the inability 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 Erectile Dysfunction, others from inconsistent and still others from brief erection. This variation complicates the process of defining ED and estimating its incidence difficult. What's more, this harmful hazardous disorder hampers the sexual life of around 15 million to 30 million people around the world. Factors Responsible for Erectile Dysfunction An erection is a precise sequence of events which involves nerve impulses in the brain, spinal column, and area around the penis, and response in muscles, fibrous tissues, veins, and arteries in and near the corpora cavernosa. Disruption in any of these sequences can lead to erectile dysfunction. According to Experts 80 percent to 90 percent of ED cases are related to a physical or medical condition, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and prostate cancer treatment. While 10% to 20% are due to psychological causes. In many cases, however, both psychological and physical factors contribute to the condition. Now that said, probably the most prominent cause of erectile dysfunction is aging; it is assumed that over 50% of the men suffering are aged above 40. This has created a myth that this condition is a disorder associated with age. However that conclusion would be wrong! Age has nothing to do with ED and it is treatable at any age. Damage to nerves, arteries, smooth muscles, and fibrous tissues, often as a result of disease, is the most common cause. Furthermore diseases - such as diabetes, kidney disease, chronic alcoholism, multiple sclerosis, atherosclerosis, vascular disease, and neurologic disease-account for about 70% cases. Between 35 and 50 percent of men with diabetes experience this problem. Also, surgery (especially radical prostate and bladder surgery for cancer) can injure nerves and arteries near the penis, causing problems with the penis function as it should. Injury to the penis, spinal cord, prostate, bladder, and pelvis can lead to problems as damage can be caused to nerves, smooth muscles, arteries, and fibrous tissues of the corpora cavernosa. In addition, many common medicines-blood pressure drugs, antihistamines, antidepressants, tranquilizers, appetite suppressants, and cimetidine can produce ED as a side effect. Psychological factors can also play a part: stress, anxiety, guilt, depression, low self- esteem, and fear of sexual failure cause 10% to 20% of cases. Excessive intake of alcohol or smoking can also lead to problems. Smoking increases the chance of atherosclerosis developing and smokers have an increased risk of developing this condition. But all that said, there is hope to improve your situation and you can find real help with over coming erectile dysfunction and living a complete and healthy life. |