All you wanted to know about
Erectile Dysfunction

What is Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?

It is basically the male inability to maintain an erection long enough to complete a sexual encounter to the mutual satisfaction of both partners. It is otherwise known as ‘impotence’. ED does not however, imply complete inability to achieve an erection. It could be a temporary performance problem where an erection is difficult to maintain or it could be a total inability to have an erection at all.

Why does it happen?

ED can become an embarrassing condition resulting in severe loss of confidence and a restricted social life. There are various causes of ED ranging from psychological factors like stress or performance anxiety, to physiological factors resulting from diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.

How do I know if I have it?

It is important to be open with your doctor to discuss your symptoms and signs and concerns as a basic move to understand ED and whether you have it. As a result he may order certain tests to determine the cause of ED and possible treatment.

What are the tests done to find out?

Tests to ED can include blood tests, ultrasonography, nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT), physical tests to determine penile nerve function, or cavernosometry.

What are the treatments available?

There are many treatments available to ease erectile dysfunction. These include oral prescription medication (like Viagra, Cialis and Levitra), oral herbal medication (like ProCALIS2GO), penile injection therapy, intra-urethral therapy, vacuum therapy, penile implant surgery, and sex counselling.

Lifestyle could also help reduce the problems caused by ED. For example, your doctor will probably advise you to quit, or at least reduce smoking, reduce stress in your life, drink less alcohol, eat healthier and exercise more. Of course, adopting these habits will improve the all-round quality of your life too.