Erectile+Dysfunction

﻿Erica Berger Erectile Dysfunction Erectile dysfunction is a form of sexual dysfunction characterized by the inability to get and maintain an erection firm enough for sex (Mayo Clinic staff, 2010). Erectile dysfunction is sometimes referred to as "impotence" but that term is no longer widely used in the medical community because of its confusion with other, non-medical, terms (NKUDIC, 2009). Because erectile function is tied closely to male feeling of well-being, virility, and masculinity, it can have severe psychological consequences.

Symptoms of erectile dysfunction include trouble getting an erection, trouble keeping an erection, as well as decreased sexual desire. Though some controversy over what exactly constitutes a legitimate case of erectile dysfunction exists because of a lack of a formal diagnostic test, it has been established in the broader sense of the term. The NIH defines it as a total inability to achieve erection, an inconsistent ability to do so, or a tendency to sustain only brief erections (NKUDIC, 2009).
 * Symptoms and Prevalence**

The National Institutes of Health estimate that erectile dysfunction affects as many as 30 million men in the United States, with incidence increasing with age (NKUDIC, 2009). Prevalence of erectile dysfunction has been found in some studies to be three times as likely among those 50 to 59 than 18 to 29 years old (Lakin, 2010). In addition, studies have shown that incidence rates may be higher in men who have never been married or were never divorced, as well as those who are in poor physical or mental health (Lakin, 2010).

Causes of erectile dysfunction can be attributed to a problem in the brain or any of the hormones, emotions, nerves, and blood vessels that each play a vital role in male sexual arousal (Mayo Clinic staff, 2010). Erectile dysfunction can then be caused or worsened by stress and mental health problems that can affect these bodily systems. Oftentimes, a usually minor physical problem can combine with psychological issues to develop and exacerbate the condition.
 * Causes and Risk Factors**

A number of physical and psychological conditions are related to erectile dysfunction. Some of the physical problems are heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, alcoholism and tobacco use among others. Psychological conditions related to erectile dysfunction are depression, stress, fatigue, or relationship problems among others.

Almost all the risk factors for erectile dysfunction are associated with growing older. These range from direct physical effects of aging, such as an increase in medical conditions and need for medication, to failure to adjust to ageing such as being overweight, psychological conditions, and drug and alcohol use. In addition habits from tobacco use, abuse of prescription medication, and even prolonged bicycling can increase the risk of erectile dysfunction (Mayo Clinic staff, 2010).

In many cases a physical exam and brief questioning periord are the only necessary tests for erectile dysfunction. However, if a doctor believes an underlying cause or more chronic health condition to exist, further tests may be necessary (Mayo clinic staff, 2010). The tests for underlying problems may include blood tests, urine tests, an ultrasound or an overnight erection test. Doctors may also take into account the patient's personal history when considering diagnoses (NKUDIC, 2009).
 * Diagnoses**

The American Association for Clinical Chemistry recommends the Testosterone Test for men suffering erectile dysfunction. The test determines whether or not the man's testosterone falls within the normal range, and can help determine whether or not hormone levels are the underlying cause of the erectile dysfunction (Testosterone, 2009).

It is also important to note that sophisticated laboratory testing is rarely necessary to diagnose erectile dysfunction. Because of the minimal and tolerable side effects of many erectile dysfunction treatments, the relative ambiguity of many diagnoses is considered tolerable (Lakin, 2010).



Treatment for erectile dysfunction consists of a variety of options. Everything from the underlying cause and the severity of the condition to the partner's preference may be taken into account when determining treatment (Mayo clinic staff, 2010). One option for treating erectile dysfunction is oral treatments that include Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra. Alternative medications include Alprostadil self-injection, which requires the use of a fine needle to inject medication into the side or base of the penis. Another option is an Alprostadil penis suppository, which provides the same medication by placing a small suppository inside the penis to distribute the medicine. If the underlying cause is a shortage of testosterone, some men choose to have testosterone replacement therapy. If psychological factors are believed to be the primary underlying cause, then psychological counseling may be required (Mayo clinic staff, 2010). Other options include penis pumps, penile implants, and blood vessel surgery.
 * Treatment and Prevention**

The Cleveland Clinic states that the best way to prevent erectile dysfunction is by making healthy lifestyle choices and managing medical conditions that have already been diagnosed. They recommend that people with erectile dysfunction talk and work with their doctor, stop smoking, exercise regularly, reduce stress, and seek out help for anxiety or depression (Cleveland clinic staff, 2007).

The Muslims in the Islamic Golden Age were the first to treat and medicate specifically for erectile dysfunction. The physicians during this time used a combination of drugs, changes in diet, as well as topical and transurethral methods. This practice began as early as the 9th century.
 * History and Future Prospects**

The first major western breakthrough began with Dr. John Brinkley in the 1920s and 1930s who spurred a sudden increase in erectile dysfunction treatments when he advocated surgical treatments on the radio during that time. The first actual medical breakthroughs began to take place when Dr. Giles Brindley developed a successful injection treatment of erectile dysfunction in the 1980s.

The study of erectile dysfunction within medicine is known as andrology, a sub-field of urology. The NIH continues to fund research and recruit participants in clinical trials for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. However, because of the high cost of oral medications that treat erectile dysfunction, and the fact that many insurance plans do not cover erectile dysfunction medications, many men still go untreated (Parker, 2009).

Work Cited American Association for Clinical Chemistry. (2009). //Testosterone//. Retrieved from http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/testosterone/test.html

Cleveland Clinic staff. (2007). //Treating Erectile Dysfunction: Lifestyle Changes//. Retrieved from http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/erectile_disorder_impotence/hic_treating_erectile_dysfunction_lifestyle_changes.aspx

Erectile Dysfunction. 2011. Photograph. Http://www.riversideonline.com/source/images/image_popup/ans7_erection.jpg, Riverside Nurse.//

// Lakin, Milton. (2010). //Erectile Dysfunction. // Retrieved from http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/medicalpubs/diseasemanagement/endocrinology/erectile-dysfunction/#cesec7 //

// Mayo Clinic staff. (2010). //Erectile Dysfunction//. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/erectile-dysfunction/DS00162/DSECTION=causes //

// National Kidney and Urological Diseases Information Clearinghouse. (2005). //Erectile Dysfunction//. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved from http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/impotence/ //

// Parker, Tara. (2009). //The Cost of Treating Erectile Dysfunction//. New York Times. Retrieved from htt