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Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile Dysfunction Basics
Erectile
dysfunction, commonly referred to as ED, is the inability
to achieve and sustain an erection suitable for sexual intercourse.
This condition is not considered normal at any age and is
different from other problems that interfere with sexual intercourse,
such as lack of sexual desire and problems with ejaculation
and orgasm.
How
Common Is ED?
It is
estimated that about 1 in 10 adult males suffer from ED on
a long-term basis.
A much
more common problem that affects the majority of men at some
point in their life is the occasional failure to achieve an
erection, which can occur for a variety of reasons, such as
from drinking too much alcohol or from being extremely tired.
Failure
to achieve an erection less than 20% of the time is not unusual
and treatment is rarely needed. Failure to achieve an erection
more than 50% of the time, however, generally indicates there
is a problem requiring treatment.
What
Causes ED?
In order
to achieve an erection three conditions must occur: The nerves
to the penis must be functioning properly; the blood circulation
to the penis must be adequate; there must be a stimulus from
the brain. If there is something interfering with any or all
of these conditions, a full erection will be prevented.
Common
causes of ED include diseases that affect blood flow, such
as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries); nerve diseases,
psychological factors, such as stress, depression, and performance
anxiety; and injury to the penis. Chronic illness, certain
medications and a condition called Peyronie's disease (scar
tissue in the penis) can also cause ED.
Can
ED Be Prevented?
For people
who are at risk of developing ED due to personal behavior,
such as drinking too much alcohol, steps may be taken to prevent
its occurrence. However, other causes of ED may not be preventable.
What
Doctors Treat ED?
The type
of medical specialist who treats ED will depend on the cause
of the problem. Based on your family's medical history as
well as your own medical history and current health, your
doctor may treat you with oral medications such as Viagra.
If this fails, he or she may refer you to a urologist or psychologist.
What
Should I Do if I am Having Problems Achieving/Maintaining
an Erection?
If you
suspect you may have erectile dysfunction, see your doctor.
He or she can perform a variety of tests to identify what
is causing your problem and refer you to a specialist if needed.
Once the cause is identified, there are several treatments
to consider.
How
Is Erectile Dysfunction Treated?
There
are many different ways ED can be treated, including: oral
medications, sex therapy, penile injections and surgery. Each
type of treatment has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Does
Insurance Cover ED Treatment?
Insurance
coverage of ED depends upon the type of treatment prescribed.
If there is a documented medical condition that is shown to
be causing ED, insurance will usually cover at least some
of it. Sex therapy and medications that have not yet been
approved by the FDA, however, are generally not covered. Along
with sexual therapy and medications not approved by they FDA,
Medicaid does not cover vacuum constriction devices or penile
implants. Talk to your insurance provider to determine if
the treatment you are considering will be covered.
Reviewed
by the doctors at the Glickman Urological Institute at The
Cleveland Clinic.
Edited
by Charlotte Grayson, MD, WebMD, May 2004
Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2004
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