Sexual Dysfunction

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What is Sexual Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability of a man to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for his or his partners sexual needs. Most men experience this at some point in their lives, usually by the age of 40, and are not psychologically affected by it.

Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is characterized by the regular or repeated inability to obtain or maintain an erection. There are several ways that erectile dysfunction is analyzed:

  • Obtaining full erections at some times, such as when asleep (when the mind and psychological issues, if any, are less present), tends to suggest the physical structures are functionally working.
  • Other factors leading to erectile dysfunction are diabetes mellitus (causing neuropathy).
  • Drugs: Anti-depressants (SSRIs) and nicotine are most common
  • Neurogenic disorders: Spinal cord and brain injuries, nerve disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer disease, multiple sclerosis, and stroke
  • Cavernosal disorders: Peyronies disease
  • Psychological causes: Performance anxiety, stress, mental disorders, clinical depression, schizophrenia, substance abuse, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, personality disorders or traits psychological problems, negative feelings.
  • Surgery: Radiation therapy, surgery of the colon, prostate, bladder, or rectum may damage the nerves and blood vessels involved in erection. Prostate and bladder cancer surgery often require removing tissue and nerves surrounding a tumor, which increases the risk for impotence
  • Ageing: It is four times higher in men in their 60s than in men in their 40s.
  • Kidney failure: Diseases such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis (MS). While these two causes have not been proven they are likely suspects as they cause issues with both the blood flow and nervous systems.
  • Lifestyle: Smoking is a key cause of erectile dysfunction. Smoking causes impotence because it promotes arterial narrowing.
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