What Exactly Is Erectile Dysfunction?
It can be very hard to tell what erectile dysfunction is because it covers a broad range of disorders.
The most widely used definition is that erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability of a man to achieve
or maintain an erection sufficient for his sexual needs or the needs of his partner. Most men experience
this at some point in their lives, usually by the age of 40, and are not psychologically affected by it.
Some men, however, experience chronic, complete erectile dysfunction (impotence), and others, partial or
brief erections. Frequent erectile dysfunction can cause emotional and relationship problems, and often
leads to diminished self-esteem. Erectile dysfunction has many causes, most of which are treatable, and
is not an inevitable.
According to the National Institutes of Health in 2002, an estimated 15 million to 30 million men in
the United States experience chronic erectile dysfunction. According to the National Ambulatory Medical
Care Survey (NAMCS), approximately 22 out of every 1000 men in the United States sought medical attention
for ED in 1999.
Incidence of the disorder increases with age. Chronic ED affects about 5% of men in their 40s and
15–25% of men by the age of 65. Transient erectile dysfunction and inadequate erection affect as many
as 50% of men between the ages of 40 and 70. Diseases (e.g., diabetes, kidney disease, alcoholism,
and atherosclerosis) account for as many as 70% of chronic erectile dysfunction cases and
psychological factors (e.g., stress, anxiety, and depression) may account for 10–20% of cases.
Between 35 and 50% of men with diabetes experience ED.
Premature ejaculation is often talked about when we discuss about erectile dysfunction.
Premature ejaculation is a condition in which the entire process of arousal, erection, ejaculation,
and climax occur very rapidly, often in just a few minutes or even seconds, leaving the partner
unsatisfied. Premature ejaculation may accompany an erection problem such as impotence but
is generally treated differently.
Although this information focuses primarily on male ED, remember that the partner plays an integral role.
If successful and effective management is to occur, any discussion of the potential treatment should include both
partners.
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Measuring Your Penis
