Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is a type of sexual dysfunction characterized by the inability to develop or maintain an erection of the penis during sexual activity.

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Common causes of erectile dysfunction

Causes

ED can have psychological consequences as it can be tied to relationship difficulties and self-image. A physical cause can be identified in about 80% of cases. These include cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, neurological problems such as following prostatectomy, hypogonadism, and drug side effects.

Diagnosis

Psychological impotence is where erection or penetration fails due to thoughts or feelings; this is somewhat less frequent, on the order of about 10% of cases. In psychological impotence, there is a strong response to placebo treatment.

Treatment

Besides treating the underlying causes such as potassium deficiency or arsenic contamination of drinking water, the first line treatment of erectile dysfunction consists of a trial of PDE5 inhibitor (such as sildenafil). In some cases, treatment can involve prostaglandin tablets in the urethra, injections into the penis, a penile prosthesis, a penis pump or vascular reconstructive surgery.

See also

• Sexual dysfunction
• Penis
• Erection
• PDE5 inhibitor
• Prostatectomy

External links

• Erectile dysfunction at WikiMD

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