Erection Problems

You’ve probably heard the cliché, “It happens to every man,” and to some extent, that’s true – but it doesn’t make erection problems any less embarrassing. In a 2003 study, 74 percent of men aged 50 years and older who went to a urologist for unrelated problems and later admitted to having erection problems said they were too embarrassed to talk to their doctor about the erectile dysfunction. This, despite the awareness generated by advertisements for drugs like Viagra and estimates that 1 in 10 men experience a recurring erection problem at some point in their lives.

Occasional difficulty getting or maintaining an erection, particularly after drinking, during times of stress or shortly after orgasm, is relatively normal. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or maintain an erection for intercourse 25 percent of the time. The causes of erectile dysfunction can be both physical and psychological; either way, it’s important to discuss the problem with your doctor, both to determine the cause and to define the course of treatment.

5 Things You Need to Know

  1. Diabetes mellitus may be a contributing factor to erectile dysfunction.
  2. For up to 30 percent of men who consult a doctor about erection problems, those problems are the first indication that they have heart disease.
  3. Erectile dysfunction may be a sign of prostate cancer.
  4. The incidence of erectile dysfunction increases with age; the incidence is about 5 percent in 40-year-old men and between 15 and 20 percent in 65-year-old men.
  5. Most causes of erectile dysfunction, whether physical or psychological, are treatable. Traditionally, treating ED has been the domain of urologists, but this is becoming less and less often the case.

3 Things You Need to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What could be causing my ED? There are numerous possible causes, some more serious than others. Knowing the particular root of the problem is not only the best way for your doctor to design a treatment plan, but it can also help you identify other issues (e.g., heart disease, prostate cancer) before they become major problems.
  2. Am I a candidate for drug therapy? Viagra, the “little blue pill,” as well as its cousins Levitra and Cialis, has shown tremendous success in treating erectile dysfunction. However, if the problem is psychological or the result of a more serious condition, these medications may not be appropriate. There are other options, and your doctor can outline these and help you choose the best one for your particular circumstances.
  3. How will this affect my sex life? There is no shame in asking this question. A healthy sex life is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, not to mention a healthy relationship! Your doctor can provide you with specifics regarding what is appropriate before, during and after treatment.

Also Known As: Erectile dysfunction, impotence, erectile problem, ed, maintain erection

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