There is help for men who experience E.D.
Title: There is help for men who experience E.D. , By: Pinette, Gilles, Windspeaker, 0834177X, Dec2003, Vol. 21, Issue 9
Section: strictly speaking
MEDICINE BUNDLE
More than 50 per cent of men over the age of 40 will have problems with erections at some time. The problem becomes more common as men age.
Erectile dysfunction (E.D.) is a medical term that describes when a man has difficulty getting and maintaining an erection that allows him to have satisfactory intercourse. While E.D. is common, many men still do not discuss this matter with their family physician. Understandably, men may be embarrassed by E.D., but hopefully public education by well-known people, such as Guy LaFleur, will help to make it easier to address.
How does E.D. occur?
Erections can occur when a man is stimulated by something they see, smell, hear, taste, feel, imagine, or remember. The stimulus causes special interactions in the brain and the nerves in the penis which allow an erection to occur. The penis becomes erect when blood flow into the penis is trapped temporarily, causing the penis to enlarge and become harder. The penis becomes flaccid again when the veins open up and allow the blood flow to drain from the penis.
Anxiety, tension, guilt, depression, and lack of self-confidence can contribute to E.D. Tension or conflict between sexual partners is a common cause (e.g., arguments, financial or marital problems). These factors work at the brain level to interfere with erections.
When blood flow is affected by heart or blood vessel disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, diabetes, or by cigarette smoking, it can lead to E.D. Other causes include thyroid disease, spinal cord injuries, disorders of the testicles, and certain kinds of prescription medications. Drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs can cause E.D. as well.
What now?
A man with E.D. should discuss his symptoms with his family doctor. After reviewing the medical history and conducting a physical exam, your doctor may order some blood tests to investigate for any possible medical cause.
Solutions
The first step is removing anything that might interfere with your erection. Stop smoking, treat medical problems, minimize alcohol drinking, and problem-solve conflicts in your life. Counseling may be helpful as well.
Several medications have been used to get and keep erections. Yohimbine is a bark extract from the African yohimbe tree that can sometimes help stimulate erections.
Some medications have been very successful in causing erections but may require more work-injecting the medication at the base of the penis or inserting a tiny dose of medicine into the end of the penis with a special applicator.
The most popular medication prescribed for E.D. today is sildenafil (i.e., Viagra). It is widely used because it helps about 70 per cent of men with E.D. get erections. Soon there will be a few new E.D. medications on the market.
Non-medication treatments can be used. A special vacuum pump can be used to create an erection and then a rubber constriction band is placed at the base of the penis to keep the blood from flowing out.
Surgical choices include the implantation of either a rod-like device or an inflatable pump-up device within the penis. These implants can make the penis functional for sexual intercourse.
Remember, all medications and treatments have pros and cons. The first step is to talk to your doctor.
The author assumes no responsibility or liability arising from any outdated information, errors, omissions, claims, demands, damages, actions, or causes of actions from the use of any of the above information.
PHOTO (BLACK & WHITE)
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By Gilles Pinette
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Source: Windspeaker, Dec2003, Vol. 21 Issue 9, p18, 1p
