Erectile dysfunction informations and its causes

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability of getting or retaining an erection that is sufficient for intercourse. Erectile dysfunction is caused by physiological and psychological factors. Most cases of erectile dysfunction 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. Erectile dysfunction can be a partial, total or inconsistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection.

Erectile dysfunction can be caused by physiological as well as psychological factors. You are at risk of getting erectile dysfunction 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 Erectile dysfunction. Other medical conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, as well as alcoholism account for most cases of erectile dysfunction. 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 erectile dysfunction.

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 erectile dysfunction. 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 elf esteem, depression and performance anxiety.

Is erectile dysfunction permanent?

Most cases of erectile dysfunction 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 erectile dysfunction can be treated by behaviour modification and psychotherapy. If non-invasive erectile dysfunction 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. Erectile dysfunction 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 colour, 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 erectile dysfunction 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.