Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is when a man is unable to get and/or keep an erection that allows sexual activity with penetration.  It is not a disease but is usually a symptom of some other problem, either physical or psychological, or a combination of the two.

ED is very common, especially as men age.   At least one in five men over the age of 40 years has erectile problems and about one in ten are completely unable to have erections.  ED is treatable with most men returning to normal sexual function post-treatment.  Your doctor will discuss the various treatment options with you at the time of diagnosis.

The known causes of erectile dysfunction are:

  • Diseases including Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s, Alzheimers, atherosclerosis, diabetes, Peyronie’s disease, vascular disease and neurologic disease.
  • Hormonal abnormalities including hypogonadism (low levels of testosterone) or acromegaly (a condition caused by too much growth hormone) may also be responsible for ED.
  • Lifestyle choices including smoking, obesity and lack of adequate physical activity  are other possible causes of ED.
  • Medications used to treat hypertension, high cholesterol, allergies, tranquilizers and appetite suppressants.
  • Psychological problems including performance anxiety, sexual attitudes and upbringing, relationship problems, employment and financial pressures, depression and psychiatric disorders.
  • Surgery/Injury.  Surgery for prostate or bladder cancer can sometimes injure the delicate nerves or arteries responsible for erection in males causing ED.  Injuries to the penis, spinal cord or pelvis are other common causes of ED.

A variety of diagnostic measures will be undertaken by your doctor before confirming a diagnosis of ED including a full patient history, physical examination, laboratory testing and/or psychosocial examination.

 

The information on this website is provided to reinforce any advice you have received from your GP and others involved in your care and is not intended to replace discussions with your doctor.