Erectile Dysfunction can be defined as the inability to achieve and/or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity. It is estimated that as many as 100 million men worldwide suffer from ED. However, more than 85% of men with ED do not seek treatment. Causes include false assumptions that ED is a normal consequence of aging and that there is no cure. The truth is that the likelihood of ED increases with age, as the prevalence of underlying conditions associated with ED increases with age. Because ED is a treatable condition and may be a symptom of another underlying medical problem that needs to be treated, the failure of patients to seek treatment is particularly unfortunate.
Social Myths About Impotence
Myth: Erectile Dysfunction is rare.
Fact: A health study found that 52% of men ages 40 to 70 have some degree of difficulty achieving and/or maintaining an erection. Approximately 35% had moderate or complete ED.
Myth: Most cases of Erectile Dysfunction are psychologically caused.
Fact: Although ED is commonly thought to be associated with psychogenic causes; Studies show that only 10% to 30% of ED cases are due to purely psychogenic factors. In the remainder, an organic component can be identified, for example vascular disorders, structural abnormalities, neurological damage or endocrinological disorders. However, psychological factors such as self-confidence, anxiety, and partner relationship problems may also be involved.
Myth: Erectile Dysfunction is a condition that only affects older men.
Fact: By age 50, about half of all men experience some degree of ED. In general, the prevalence of ED increases with age, but men retain their erectile abilities well beyond their eighties. Age-related conditions and medications used to treat various medical conditions increase the likelihood of ED occurring.
Myth: Diagnosing and treating Erectile Dysfunction is complex. Patients should always be referred to a specialist.
Fact: Most cases of ED can be diagnosed and treated. However, the lack of knowledge about ED among the public and health professionals, and the reluctance of doctors and patients to discuss sexual issues, has deprived patients of the benefits of treatment.
Myth: Men must learn to live with ED.
Fact: There are treatments that are effective and well tolerated.
Causes of ED
Many people mistakenly believe that ED is a purely psychological problem. Erectile Dysfunction is primarily of physical origin, but psychological factors alone or in combination with physical factors can cause ED. Conditions associated with ED include: Hypertension, Diabetes, Hardening of the arteries and other vascular disorders that prevent blood flow to the penis and the erection mechanism, High cholesterol, Trauma, including injuries to the pelvis or spinal cord, Some types of surgery and radiation therapy, Multiple sclerosis and other nervous system disorders , Depression, Habits that worsen vascular disorders (for example, abuse of alcohol or cigarettes)
