Erectile Disfunction (ED) - Facts, causes and treatment

First: You are not alone! More than 30,000,000 men in the United States suffer. And nearly every man experiences in his life difficulties to achieve or maintain an erection. The good message is: Impotence is treatable in all age groups. The following guide explains how:

1. Anatomy: How do males usually get an erection?

There are two long tubes on each side of the penis, called corpora cavernosa.

 When the penis is not erected, these tubes are not filled with blood. In case of sexual stimulation, physical or mental, the muscles around this area get order from the nervous system and brain to relax. This fills the corpora cavernosa with blood, expands them and enlarges so the penis.

2. What causes erectile disfunction?

It can be caused by physical factors, psychological factors and even some medications, i.e. meds for the treatment of high blood pressure or depression. Cigarettes, recreational drugs and alcohol are a risk as well as stress. If  rather psychological factors cause the problem, men often gave spontaneous erections, but can't achieve an erection when making love. Worries can play a worsening role.
Physical impotence is caused by insuries, operations (incl. radiation therapies) or diseases, like diabetes or liver diseases. Also a hormone imbalance can result in impotence, but this is very rare. Often there is more than one single reason.

3. Treatment options

The treatment depends on the causes. Sometimes changing the medications you take might help (mostly in case of anti-depression drugs), or counseling, if psychological factors play a role.
For a long time the only available options have been:
- Injections of medications into the penis or  insertion into the  urethra (for most  men very unpleasent...)
- Mecvhanical vacuum device. They usually contain a plastic cylinder in which the penis is placed, and a pump, drawing the air out of the cylinder, so blood is drawn into the penis. An elastic bond around the base of the penis will make sure the blood can not flwo back.
- Surgery: Inflatable implants are included into the penis and a pump under the scrotum skin. Also arterial reconstruction and vein blocking can be applied.
-Beside these unpleasent methods, since 1998 are oral pills for the treatment of erectile disfunction available. The first, most famous and most deeply researched drug is Sildenafil Citrate in the form of VIAGRA.

4. How does Viagra work?

Viagra relaxes the smooth muscles of the penis mentioned above, so blood can flow into the corpora nervosa tubes. It should be taken 30 min to 1 hour before the erection is wanted. Then the effect of the pill will last for up to 4 hours. Sexual stimulation is necessary, so it does not mean the erecetion has to last 4 hours.
Extensive studies have shown that Viagra is effective in the majority of patients, it works in 4 of 5 men - independed of the cause or for how long the impotency already occured. It was prescribed to more than 10,000,000 men worldwide. This is an important advantage over the rare versions of generic Sildenafil Citrate or herbal alternatives, which are usually not approved by the Food and Drug Administration and normally not much cheaper. Also, in opposite to some herbal alternatives there is no reason to worry about the "wrong moment".

Viagra has been scientifically tested  in more than 100 projects on more than 8,000 men and according to the producer an "excellent safety profile". In fact, most "accidents" appearing in the news have been caused by heart attacks in men whos physical condition could not cope with sexual exhaustion.

High blood pressure is often mentioned as a negative indication for a prescription. This is valid if you already use nitrate drugs. But in the United States 1,000,000 Viagra users take medications against high blood pressure. The prescribing doctor will always decide individually in every case.

Note: Viagra will not give any protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

The most common side effects are an upset stomach, flushing in the face and headache, higher sensitivity to light, bluish or blurred vision. If chest pain or nausea occours or if your erection is lasting longer than 4 hours you should seek professional medical help.

Treatments for erectile disfunction and sex drive enhancershave been around for a few thousand years. The attention Viagra received when it first became available is explained through the fact that it was the first prescription drug specifically developed for such purpose and its outstanding success. It is scientifically proved to help most men. Possible side effects are well known. It is as a prescription drug oficially permitted by the government. These are important points herbal alternatives normally don't offer. However some people have good experience and swear by Viagra alternatives. They might work. 

Copyright 2002 erectile-disfunction.com
This is no medical advice - always ask your doctor.