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What is erectile dysfunction?

When a man can't get an erection to have sex or can't keep an erection
long enough to finish having sex, it's called erectile dysfunction or
impotence. Erectile dysfunction can occur at any age, but it is more
common in men older than 65.

Is erectile dysfunction just a part of old age?

Physical causes of erectile dysfunction
* Alcohol and tobacco use
* Fatigue
* Brain or spinal-cord injuries
* Hypogonadism (which leads to lower testosterone levels)
* Liver or kidney failure
* Multiple sclerosis
* Parkinson's disease
* Radiation therapy to the testicles
* Stroke
* Some types of prostate or bladder surgery

Erectile dysfunction doesn't have to be a part of getting older. It's
true that as you get older, you may need more stimulation (such as
stroking and touching) to get an erection. You might also need more
time between erections. But older men should still be able to get an
erection and enjoy sex.

What causes erectile dysfunction?

See the box to the right for some physical causes of erectile
dysfunction. The following medical problems can also cause erectile
dysfunction:

* Diabetes (high blood sugar)
* Hypertension (high blood pressure)
* Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)

If you can't keep your blood sugar or your blood pressure under
control, you can get erectile dysfunction. It's important that you
take your medicines for these problems just the way your doctor tells
you.

Sometimes your hormones get out of balance and this causes erectile
dysfunction. Your doctor will decide if you need blood tests to check
your hormones.

Some medicines can cause erectile dysfunction. If this is true for
you, your doctor may take you off that medicine or give you a
different one.

Drinking too much alcohol, smoking too much and abusing drugs can also
cause erectile dysfunction.

Problems in your relationship with your sexual partner can also cause
erectile dysfunction. Improving your relationship may help your sex
life. If you decide to seek therapy, it will probably be most
effective if your sex partner is included. Couples can learn new ways
to please one another and to show affection. This can reduce anxiety
about having erections.

Feelings that can lead to erectile dysfunction

* Feeling nervous about sex, perhaps because of a bad experience or
because of a previous episode of impotence
* Feeling stressed, including stress from work or family situations
* Being troubled by problems in your relationship with your sex partner
* Feeling depressed
* Feeling so self-conscious that you can't enjoy sex
* Thinking that your partner is reacting negatively to you

How is erectile dysfunction diagnosed?

Your doctor will probably start by asking you some questions and doing
a physical exam. Samples of your blood and urine may be tested for
diseases and disorders. Other tests may also be needed. Your doctor
will determine which tests are right for you.

How is erectile dysfunction treated?

How erectile dysfunction is treated depends on what is causing it.
After your doctor checks you for medical problems and medicines that
might cause erectile dysfunction, he or she may have you try a
medicine to help with erectile dysfunction. Some of these medicines
are injected into your penis. Other medicines are taken by mouth. Not
everyone can use these medicines. Your doctor will help you decide if
you can try them.

What other options do I have?

If the medicines aren't right for you, you could also try using vacuum
pump devices, or you could have surgery. Your doctor may send you to
an urologist to talk about these options.

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at 1/24/2007 07:31:00 AM

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