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Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is the
inability of a man to achieve or
maintain erection sufficient enough
for his sexual needs or the needs of
his partner. Most men experience
this at some point in their lives,
usually by the age of 40.
Some men experience chronic,
complete erectile dysfunction
(impotence), and others, partial or
brief erections. Erectile
dysfunction affects as many as 20
million American men. Frequent
erectile dysfunction can cause
emotional and relationship problems,
and often leads to diminished
self-esteem.
ED is most likely an under
reported and under-diagnosed
condition because many men do not
discuss this issue with their
physicians.
Physical and Medical
Causes contributing to ED in men:
- DIABETES
High levels of blood sugar
association with diabetes
mellitus often damage small
blood vessels and nerves
throughout the body, which can
impair nerve impulses and blood
flow necessary for erection.
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did
you
know? |
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Approximately 60% of men
with diabetes experience
impotence! |
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- VASCULAR DISEASE
Atherosclerosis, the
hardening and narrowing of
the arteries, causes a
reduction in blood flow
throughout the body and can
lead to impotence.
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did
you
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It is
associated with age, and
accounts for at least
50% of
impotence in men over 60
years! |
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- NEUROLOGIC CONDITIONS
Spinal and brain
injuries can disrupt the
impulse transport from brain
to penis and lead to
impotency. Parkinson’s disease
and Alzheimer’s disease
may also result in impotence.
- VENOUS LEAK
If the veins in the
penis cannot prevent blood
from leaving the penis
during erection, erection
cannot be maintained. Venous leak can be a
result of injury, disease,
or damage to the veins in
the penis.
- SIDE EFFECT FROM
MEDICATIONS
Beta-blockers,
antihistamines, certain
antidepressants, sedatives
and tranquilizers can lead
to ED.
- HORMONE DISORDERS
Testosterone deficiency
can result in a loss of
libido (sexual desire) and
loss of erection.
- LEADING AN UNHEALTHY
LIFESTYLE
Obesity, lack of
exercise and even excessive
TV watching are associated
with having a greater risk
of erectile dysfunction.
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did
you
know? |
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Men who
exercised at least three
hours per week had a
30%
lower risk for ED than those
who exercised little |
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Social Causes contributing to ED in men:
Drinking too much alcohol,
excessive smoking or recreational
drug abuse can also significantly
lead to erectile dysfunction.
Psychological Causes contributing to ED in men:
- Depression, mental stress or
exhaustion
- Guilt
- Relationship problems
- Performance concerns leading
to anxiety and worry
Erection Dysfunction is a common
issue. In many cases, ED turns out
to be a mixture of psychological and
physical causes.
If you have difficulty getting an
erection, seek help from your
healthcare professional. Please don’t
suffer in silence or withdraw from
your partner – as so many men do!
next section: what is
atlagra?
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