Sexual Health: What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is when a man has trouble maintaining an erection. This problem is more common among older men, but even the younger lot is not entirely safe from it, thanks to performance anxiety, relationship issues, stress, depression, medical complications, and so on. The temporary cure for ED may lie in simply popping pills prescribed by a sexologist, but for a more permanent and long term solution - lifestyle modifications are a must. With expert inputs from Dr. A. Chakravarthy, President of the International Association of Sexual Medicine in Thiruvananthapuram, let us understand Erectile Dysfunction in detail.
Erectile Dysfunction is defined as the inability of the male to get and maintain his erection to achieve satisfactory intercourse. The causes of Erectile Dysfunction range from the psychological to physical and chemical. Causes like depression, guilt, performance anxiety, relationship trouble and stress, mentioned earlier, fall under the phsychological causes for ED.
Physical causes include: Smoking, diabetes mellitus, obesity (in some cases), drugs – drugs for hypertension. Psychotic drugs such as those for arteriosclerosis and hormonal imbalance can also cause ED in some unfortunate cases.
Typically, a decrease in testosterone can reduce the libido. As can hyperthyroidism - which involves negative effects from hormonal imbalances.
Neuorological conditions such as pelvic trauma, Peyronie’s disease, alcoholism, and any serious physical illness – liver diseases, kidney diseases, cardiac diseases are also high risk situations for ED.
Who is at risk of erectile dysfunction?
- The elderly
- People with cardiovascular diseases
- People with diabetes mellitus
- High cholesterol patients
- Frequent smokers
- Recreational drug users
- Those suffering from depression or other psychiatric disorders
Treating Erectile Dysfunction:
ED treatment includes medication like pde5 inhibitors – sildenafil, tadalafil & Vardenafil, and intra cavernosal injections – inj papaverine. ED treatment also includes treatment of other physical problems through counselling, and sex therapy. Sex therapy is a unique and specialized form of professional counseling designed to help couples by sensate focusing.
What can people do on their own?
To prevent and fight Erectile Dysfunction men should attempt the following:
- Quit smoking,
- Exercise regularly
- Reduce excess weight
- Reduce excessive alcohol consumption,
- Control hypertension
- Control blood glucose level
Importance of erectile dysfunction screening: Screening for erectile dysfunction due to arteriosclerosis can predict the coronary artery disease and is a must for people suffering from Erectile Dysfunction.
*Image courtesy: © Thinkstock photos/ Getty Images
Health Star Of The Week
A hefty Ganesh found it difficult to walk around or cycle in the chemical plant where he...
Favourite Recipe Of The Week
For a healthy breakfast one needs to blend nutrition and fibre. Nutritionist Priya Kathpal...
Summer Fitness
With the mercury levels rising to new highs everyday, summer seems to completely drain us...
in focus
Yoga and Ayurveda
Yoga Benefits: 10 Yoga Health Benefits
Weight loss, a strong and flexible body, glowing skin, peaceful mind,
Has your sex-life transformed from red-hot to cold and frozen? If yes
Yoga Benefits: What is Yoga Breathing or Pranayama?
After a stressful day at work, every one of us would love to experien
Beauty Tips: Top 20 Ways to Be...
Being beautiful is a perennial wish women have in their minds. Proper...
Home Remedies for Dry, Sore Eyes
Also called dry eye or keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), dry eye...
Detoxify: 20 Best Ways to Detox Your...
Are you feeling sluggish? Do you have an outburst of acne and rash on...
galleries
Zumba Fitness: Top 10 Zumba Fitness Party Videos
Are you too busy to commit to fitness every day?...
Blood Pressure Measurement: Learn to Check Your Blood Pressure at Home
So, you have been recently diagnosed with high...
Personal Care: How to Wash Your Hands Properly
You are washing your hands since you were a kid,...
ASK
OUR
EXPERTS
editor's pick
Weight Loss Gadgets: 20 Reasons to Buy...
Health authorities from across the globe suggest that walking 10,000...
Good Health: Top 20 Essentials for Good...
Being lighter, fitter and healthier is our ultimate mission. To...
Diabetes Control: Top 15 Diabetic Diet...
Diabetes control is governed by following the right diabetic diet....
ACROSS THE NET
Methi Thepla - Fenugreek Flatbread
Shweta in the Kitchen Mar 17th 2013
Modern Healthcare Services By Apollo Hospitals
HealthCage May 08th 2013
Cant Sleep At Night? Follow These 4 Secrets
HealthCage May 01st 2013
4 Great Tips to Get Rid of Acne Naturally
The Bea's Knees May 15th 2013
JAL JEERA RECIPE | JAL JEERA DRINK
Jeyashri's Kitchen May 20th 2013
SpiceDiary Nov 02nd 2012
Where to go for Bahn Mi – Vietnamese Rolls
SpiceDiary Aug 11th 2011
In The Kitchen Jan 06th 2013
Wanna make some caffè latte at home?
In The Kitchen Oct 28th 2012
Your Medical Guide Jan 28th 2013
Your Medical Guide Dec 29th 2012
A shortcut for a hectic and tiring day.
ShilpsNutriLife May 21st 2013
AAM KA PANNA (Green mango juice)
ShilpsNutriLife May 20th 2013
Healthy Living Mar 24th 2013
Healthy Living Feb 22nd 2013


