Impotence and Associated Risks

Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects the lives of 15 million to 30 million American men and their partners. Erectile dysfunction(ED), also termed as impotency can be defined as the powerlessness 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 ED, others from inconsistent ED, and still others from brief erection.

Although erectile dysfunction is more common in men older than 65, it can occur at any age. An occasional incident of erectile dysfunction happens to most men and is perfectly normal. In fact, in most cases it's nothing to worry about. As men age, it's also normal to familiarity changes in erectile function. Erections may take longer to expand, may not be as severe or may require more direct stimulation to be achieved. Men may also notice that orgasms are less intense, the volume of ejaculate is reduced and recovery time increases between erections.

When erectile dysfunction proves to be a pattern or a constant problem, however, it can interfere with a man's self-image as well as his sexual life. It may also be a sign of a physical or emotional problem that requires treatment.

Erectile dysfunction, formerly called impotence, was once a taboo subject. But attitudes are changing. More men are in quest of help for the problem, and doctors are gaining a better understanding of what causes erectile dysfunction and are finding new and better ways to treat it.

Hazardous Erectile Dysfunction

A wide variety of physical and expressive risk factors can contribute to erectile dysfunction. They include-

• Physical and Psychological Factors - Physical disorders such as chronic diseases of the lungs, liver, kidneys, heart, nerves, arteries or veins can lead to impotence. So can endocrine system disorders, particularly diabetes. The accumulation of deposits (plaques) in your arteries (atherosclerosis) also can prevent adequate blood from entering the penis. And in some men, erectile dysfunction may be caused by low levels of the hormone testosterone (male hypogonadism). . Psychological conditions also contribute to some cases of erectile dysfunction.


• Surgical Damage - Erectile dysfunction may result from an injury to the pelvic area or spinal cord. Surgery to treat bladder, rectal or prostate cancer also can result in erectile dysfunction. Prolonged bicycle riding can cause a temporary
  problem.


• Medications - A wide range of drugs - including antidepressants, antihistamines and medications to treat high blood pressure, pain and prostate cancer - can cause erectile dysfunction by interfering with nerve impulses or blood flow to the
  penis. Tranquilizers and sleeping aids also may pose a problem.


• Excessive Alcoholism or Drug Use - Chronic use of alcohol, marijuana or other drugs often causes erectile dysfunction and decreased sexual drive. Excessive tobacco use also can damage penile arteries.