WHAT IS ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION (IMPOTENCE)?

Erectile dysfunction (Impotence) is an inability to get and keep an erection firm enough.

Though having erection issue time to time isn't necessarily a cause for concern but if it is an

ongoing issue, you must talk to your doctor. It might also be a sign of an underlying health

condition that needs treatment and a possible risk factor for heart disease.

SOME COMMON SYMPTOMS OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION (IMPOTENCE)

● Issue getting or keeping an erection

● Decreased sexual desire

CAUSES & RISK FACTORS

● sexual arousal in males is a complex process involving the brain, hormones, emotions,

nerves, muscles and blood vessels. Thus, erectile dysfunction can result from some

problem with any of these factors.

● stress and mental health concerns too cause or worsen erectile dysfunction.

● a combination of physical and psychological issues too causes erectile dysfunction.

● physical causes of erectile dysfunction include

-heart disease

-atherosclerosis (clogged blood vessels)

-high cholesterol and high blood pressure

-diabetes

-obesity

-parkinson's

-multiple sclerosis

-certain prescription medicines

-tobacco

-peyronie's disease (development of scar tissue inside the penis)

-alcoholism or other forms of substance abuse

-sleep disorders

-ongoing treatments for prostate

-prevailing trauma to spine or pelvis

Complications resulting from erectile dysfunction include:

An unsatisfactory sex life; Stress or anxiety ; Embarrassment ; Low self-esteem ; Relationship

Issues; Inability to impregnate your partner

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

When to see a doctor

Your family doctor is a foremost good place to start when you have erectile problems. Consult

him or her, if you :

● are concerned and experiencing other sexual problems like premature or delayed

ejaculation.

● are a patient of diabetes, heart disease or other known health conditions that could be

linked to it.

● have other symptoms along with erectile dysfunction are evident.

Prevention

The best way to prevent erectile dysfunction is to make healthy lifestyle choices e.g.

● well manage diabetes, heart disease or other chronic health conditions

● get regular check-ups and medical screening tests

● quit smoking, limit or avoid alcohol, and don't use illegal drugs

● stay physically fit

● avoid stress

● avail help for anxiety, depression or other mental health concerns.