Erectile Dysfunction Causes and Treatments
Impotence Occurs From Physical, Medical and Psychological Causes
Oct 27, 2009
It is important to know that erectile dysfunction, known as "ED" or impotence, can happen to any man and at any age. Impotence happens when a man can not get an erection or maintain an erection long enough to finish sexual intercourse. Although it typically occurs in men over the age of 65, erectile dysfunction can be caused by different physical, medical or psychological conditions in men.
Medical Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
There are medical causes or diseases that contribute to erectile dysfunction. If a man is experiencing erectile dysfunction, a healthcare professional can run tests to rule these possible causes out:
- Diabetes or high blood sugar
- Hypertension or high blood pressure
- Atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinson's disease
- Liver and kidney failure
- Stroke
Physical Causes that Contribute to Erectile Dysfunction
There are physical causes of erectile dysfunction, too. The following is a list of physical causes that may be contributing to impotence:
- Alcohol, tobacco and recreational drug use
- Prescription and over-the-counter medication
- Hormonal imbalance (low testosterone)
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Brain and spinal cord injuries
- Previous prostate or bladder surgery
- Radiation therapy
Drugs and Medications that can Cause Erectile Dysfunction
Recreational drugs such as amphetamines, barbiturates, cocaine, marijuana, methadone and opiates can cause impotence or erectile dysfunction. The side effects of these recreational drugs rarely mention erectile dysfunction. They play a role because of the damage they cause to blood vessels, including the ones needed for an erection.
Prescription drugs and non-prescription medication can also contribute to impotence and include many different types. It is important to mention any medications you take to your doctor, either prescription or over-the-counter, as they can be the cause of erectile dysfunction. These medications include but are not limited to the following:
- Diuretics and prescription medicine for high blood pressure (antihypertensives) - Hydrochlorothiazide, Lasix, Lopressor and Attenolol are examples of a few.
- Antidepressants, anti-anxiety and medicine for epilepsy or antiepileptics - Prozac, Zoloft, Valium, Dilantin, Ativan are on the long list of medications in this category.
- Antihistamines or allergy medicine - Benadryl, Dramamine or Phenergan (also used for nausea)
- NSAIDS or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine - Naproxen, Anaprox and Indocin
- Muscle relaxants - Flexeril and Norflex
- Parkinson's disease medication - Akineton, Sinemet and Parlodel are examples.
- Antiarrythmics (medication for heartbeat irregularities) - Norpace
- Histamine H2-receptor antagonists (medicine for acid reflux) - Tagamet, Axid and Zantac
- Prostate cancer medication
- Chemotherapy medication
Psychological or Emotional Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
Psychological or emotional stress can lead to impotence or erectile dysfunction. A physical or medical reason is not always the cause. It is important to seek help if you are experiencing the following:
- A previous episode of impotence that is leaving a feeling of nervousness
- Relationship troubles with a partner
- Feelings of depression and anxiety
- Self-conscious feelings during sex
- Stress from other family relationships or work stress
The Diagnosis of Erectile Dysfunction
A doctor will most likely perform a physical exam, draw blood and collect a sample of urine to test for possible diseases, disorders and causes of ED. Once possible causes are ruled out, medication may be prescribed or a referral to a urologist may be needed.
Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction
There are several treatment options for impotence. It depends on the cause of the erectile dysfunction. Treatments include the following:
- Medications taken by mouth before sex or up to three days prior to sex. There are currently three approved by the FDA - Levitra, Cialis and Viagra
- Medications that are injected into the penis (prostaglandin E)
- Hormone therapy for the small percentage of men who who have a testosterone deficiency
If medication is not an option, there are surgical options, vacuum pump devices and penile implants that can be used. A doctor may diagnose erectile dysfunction stemming from depression or anxiety and a therapist specially trained in sex therapy can also help.
There are diverse causes for erectile dysfunction. It is important to know the facts surrounding impotence and to speak to a healthcare professional about which treatment option is best.
Sources:
Erectile Dysfunction. Familydoctor.org(2006) What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile Dysfunction Guide.WebMd(Jan. 2007) Drugs Linked to Erectile Dysfunction
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