Erectile dysfunction, also known as male impotence, is the difficulty of achieving or maintaining an erection that allows you to have satisfactory sex in at least 50% of attempts.
This problem can occur in men of any age and is often related to habits such as drug use, smoking and excessive stress. Although dysfunction is often related to aging, many older men have never had erection problems, so age is only considered a risk factor and not necessarily a cause.
- To make the diagnosis of erectile dysfunction.
- It is very important to consult a urologist.
- Who will evaluate a man’s health history and request tests.
- Once the diagnosis is confirmed.
- Treatment is initiated.
- Which can vary from man to man.
- But usually includes the use of certain drugs.
- Such as Sildenafil or Alprostadil.
- In addition to psychological follow-up for example.
The main symptom of erectile dysfunction is difficulty having or maintaining an erection, however, other symptoms such as:
In addition, there are cases in which the man manages to have an erection, but not during sexual intercourse and, therefore, even if he manages to have an erection, this may mean that he suffers from erectile dysfunction.
The diagnosis must be made by the urologist based on the signs and symptoms that the person presents. In addition, at the time of the evaluation, the doctor must take into account the clinical, sexual and psychological history to reach the diagnostic conclusion. In addition, laboratory tests may be ordered to check if erectile dysfunction may be related to hormonal changes.
Some of the most common causes that lead to erectile dysfunction problems include:
Furthermore, some chronic diseases, such as kidney failure or diabetes, can also affect blood circulation and facilitate erectile dysfunction. See a list of the main causes and why they cause erectile dysfunction.
Erectile dysfunction can be treated in different ways because treatment depends on the cause, however, some of the most commonly used treatment options include:
In addition to the treatments mentioned above, counseling with a psychologist or psychiatrist and partner therapy are also very important as they help deal with other issues, fears and insecurities that may exist and also contribute to the problem. Psychotherapy is also indicated in these cases to help treat stress, anxiety and depression. Learn more about treating erectile dysfunction.
See also the exercises that can be done to help treat erectile dysfunction: