Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a health issue affecting the male penis which can cause stress within intimate relationships. Due to it’s effect on intimate relationships ED can cause frustration for sexual partners and embarrassment for the men affected.
ED can have a significant and negative impact on a man’s quality of life.
That being said, there is definitely hope for those struggling with ED. Erectile dysfunction treatments continue to get better and better.
Another common term used for ED is impotence. However, the use of the term impotence is becoming less and less common.
Most men affected by ED are able to find an ED treatment solution that works well for them.
So what exactly is ED?
Erectile dysfunction is defined as being incapable of obtaining and sustaining an erection which is satisfactory, and adequate, for sexual intercourse.
Erection difficulties is fairly common and becomes more common with age. In fact, a 2001 study titled “Epidemiology of erectile dysfunction: results of the ‘Cologne Male Survey’” published in The International Journal of Impotence Research found the following:
“The prevalence of ED was 19.2%, with a steep age-related increase (2.3–53.4%) and a high co-morbidity of ED with hypertension, diabetes, pelvic surgery and ‘lower urinary tract symptoms’.”
It is thought that around 5–20% of males have moderate-to-severe ED.
For an excellent chart showing the age-related prevalence of ED visit https://www.nature.com/articles/3900949/tables/2
Common causes of impotence include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, prostate disease, depression and treatment with certain medications including hormones, antihypertensive drugs and ulcer medications.
ED treatments include lifestyle changes, psychological interventions, oral medications (Viagra®, Cialis® and Levitra®), intraurethral suppositories, intraurethral gels, intracavernosal injections, vacuum erection devices (Vacurect OTC) and surgical interventions.
For men who have undergone a radical prostatectomy, erection difficulties are very common. New data is suggesting that rehabilitation efforts should begin as soon as possible. These men can experience excellent results with vacuum erection devices such as the Vacurect OTC and/or intracavernosal injections such as Trimix and Quadmix.
Trimix and Quadmix are not commercially available products and usually require you to find a compounding pharmacy in your area that makes these products.
You may also wish to learn about Peyronie’s Disease.