What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile Dysfunction ("impotence") is the persistent inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. It can be a total inability to achieve erection, an inconsistent ability to do so, or a tendency to sustain only brief erections.
Erectile Dysfunction may be caused by a physical condition or by a psychological condition (such as stress or depression). However, the most common cause of Erectile Dysfunction is a physical condition. Physical causes include:
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Reduced blood flow to the penis (Vascular-Based Erectile Dysfunction)
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Diseases or injury which affect the nerves going to the penis (neurologic-based ED)
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Certain hormonal conditions
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Side effect of certain medications
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Alcohol or drug abuse
Treatment Options
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Oral drug therapy (medication taken by mouth) – oral drugs temporarily increase the blood flow to the penis, (such as Viagra, Cialis, Levitra and other medications).
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Urethral therapy - a small pellet is inserted into the urethral opening of the penis. This helps stimulate blood flow to the penis.
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Injection therapy - a medication is injected to the base of the penis. This helps stimulate blood flow to the penis.
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Vacuum Devices - a plastic container is placed around the penis. A pump then sucks out the air from the container to create a vacuum, which causes blood to be drawn into the penis and cause an erection. When erect, a rubber band is placed at the base of the penis to maintain the erection.
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Surgery - a rod-shaped prosthesis is implanted into the penis. Some types can be inflated with an inbuilt pump to cause an erection. Other types keeps the penis rigid all the time.