Erectile Dysfunction: Everything You Need to Know

Erectile dysfunction is a medical condition in which a man has difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, hindering his ability to engage in sexual relations. While erectile dysfunction can be treated with the help of a medical professional, many men who struggle with ED are too embarrassed to get the help they need. What these men may not know is that the condition is actually quite common.

Erectile Dysfunction is Quite Common in Younger Men

While erectile dysfunction is more common in much older men, that does not mean that ED only affects those over 70.

• Approximately 40% of men in their 40s experience mild to moderate erectile dysfunction
• Approximately 50% of men in their 50s
• Approximately 60% of men in their 60s

More than 18 million men in the United States are affected by ED

Over 15% of men worldwide are affected by ED each year

The Causes of ED

Hormonal

A hormonal imbalance can lead to ED. If there is a testosterone deficiency in the blood, there may be a loss of libido and erectile dysfunction. However, this is a rare cause of ED.

Neurologic

Neurological disorders such as diabetes and spinal cord injuries can cause erectile dysfunction. Treatment of prostate cancer can also cause impotence, as the nerves responsible for erectile function run through the area surrounding the prostate.

Vascular

Vascular disease or heart disease puts an individual at risk for ED since blood flow issues can make it difficult to achieve and maintain an erection.

Psychological

In some cases, ED can be caused by psychological problems such as low self-confidence, anxiety, depression, or guilt.

The Types of ED

Organic Erectile Dysfunction

Organic ED is the most common type of ED in which abnormalities in the arteries and veins in the penis lead to difficulties maintaining an erection.

Drug-Induced ED

Many prescription drugs can lead to symptoms of ED, including medications for blood pressure, anxiety, depression, and cancer.

Hormone-Induced ED

Abnormal hormone levels from steroid abuse, thyroid level imbalance, an overactive pituitary gland, and prostate cancer can cause ED.

Medical Therapy and Treatment for ED

Oral Medications

In many cases, the first step in a treatment plan will be with one of the many popular oral ED medications such as Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra. However, If someone is on a nitrate medicine, you can’t give oral medication.

MUSE – Alprostadil

This tiny medication is inserted into the tip of the urethra in order to promote healthy blood flow in hopes of spurring an erection.

Vacuum Pump Erection Device

The pump creates a vacuum to promote blood flow and achieve an erection, with an elastic ring then used to maintain the erection.

Erectile Dysfunction Injections

Medication is self-administered by injecting it directly into the side of the penis with a small needle and syringe.

Penile Implants for ED

If none of the above non-surgical options prove to be an effective treatment for ED, a penile implant can help. Penile implant surgery provides a way to still have sexual intercourse when all other medications have failed or if you have adverse reactions to the different types of treatments.

Malleable Penile Prosthesis

This penile implant has two separate semi-rigid cylinders that allow for ease of use but comes with the risk of discomfort and erosion.

AMS Penile Prosthesis, Ambicor

This 2-piece implant contains a pump that is used to transfer fluid to the cylinder without the need for a reservoir.

Inflatable Penile Implant Prosthesis 3-piece

The 3-piece penile implant is the most effective and commonly used implant, consisting of a pump, cylinder, and reservoir.