Q1. What is erectile dysfunction?
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Q2. What are the causes of erectile dysfunction?
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Q3. How can couples work together?
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Q4. What can be done for erectile dysfunction?
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Q5. Can sexual function be regained?
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| Q1. |
What is erectile dysfunction? |
| A1. |
Erectile dysfunction or impotence is the inability to achieve or to sustain an erection adequate for sexual intercourse. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common, treatable condition. |
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| Q2. |
What are the causes of erectile dysfunction? |
| A2. |
Psychological causes of impotence include:
- Stress and anxiety at work or at home
- Worry about poor sexual performance
- Marital discord
- Unresolved sexual orientation
- Depression
Other causes are due to defective blood flow or nerve function to the penis. |
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| Q3. |
How can couples work together? top |
| A3. |
Couples need to communicate openly and honestly with each other. Most importantly, couples need to confront any concerns they may have about erectile dysfunction by discussing their feelings and reassuring each other that they still care. Couples need to maintain this communication throughout the treatment process. |
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| Q4. |
What can be done for erectile dysfunction? |
| A4. |
The following measures can be taken to remedy erectile dysfunction:
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Changing habits and medications
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Quitting smoking and changing prescription medications may help address the condition.
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Hormonal Medications : Only 5% of erectile dysfunction cases are caused by irregular levels of sex hormones, such as low levels of testosterone or excess estrogen. There are medications to restore this balance.
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Professional Counselling : Because impotence can often result from a combination of psychological and physical factors, counselling can reduce anxiety. This therapy is often used in combination with other treatments as directed by a physician.
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Oral Medication : Yohimbine occurs naturally in the bark of evergreen trees and has been used as an aphrodisiac for centuries by Indians and Africans. It is believed that the drug works by enhancing nerve sensitivity in the penis. While there have been no large-scale studies to prove the drug's effectiveness, a small percentage of men report it to be helpful for erectile dysfunction.
Recently, a new drug, sildenafil citrate (Viagra), has been introduced, which acts to increase nitric oxide levels and other primary mediators of erection. Studies suggest that the drug is effective in a selected group of patients. However, the drug has to be used under medical supervision as it has been found to have known interactions with other drugs and should be used with caution in hypertensives.
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Vacuum Therapy : This treatment enables an erection by increasing blood flow to the penis through negative pressure suction generated by the device used for this treatment. This results in the patient obtaining penile enlargement and rigidity for sexual intercourse.
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Injection Therapy : One of the newest forms of treatment involves the self-injection of a certain medication into the side of the penis. The relatively painless injection produces erections of good quality in about 70-80% of patients.
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Surgical Treatment : Surgical treatment is usually reserved for those patients whose blood flow has been blocked by an injury to the penis or pelvic area. The goal of this treatment is to correct the blockage of blood flow to the penis so that erections can occur naturally.
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Penile Prostheses : This treatment involves the surgical placement of a device into the two sides of the penis, allowing erections as often as desired. These implants come in two forms – an inflatable device and semi-rigid rods. This treatment is recommended only after discussing with the patient all other available options. A prosthesis is a long-term solution, which is offered after careful consideration and discussion with the patient. |
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| Q5. |
Can sexual function be regained? |
| A5. |
The good news for many men and their partners is that erectile dysfunction can usually be treated safely and effectively. In the light of recent medical advances, men no longer need to suffer from erectile dysfunction in silence. Their impotency no longer needs to remain as a disruptive factor in their relationships. Most importantly, couples can now fully enjoy the enriching and exhilarating joy of intimate sexual contact. |
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