Causes & Cures of Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction, or ED, can be a potentially embarrassing condition. ED is not uncommon, especially in older men. In fact, the National Institutes of Health estimates that 15 to 25 percent of 65-year-old men experience ED on a long-term basis and approximately 5 percent of 40-year-old men experience the condition as well. There are many treatment options for men who experience failure to achieve an erection more than 50 percent of the time.

Causes

• Erectile dysfunction may be caused by physical conditions, psychological problems, disturbances or a combination of several factors. A doctor can help evaluate a patient's specific case to determine the exact cause or causes and recommend a treatment plan to lessen the severity of ED problems. Physical conditions and disorders such as diabetes, prostate cancer, kidney stones, kidney disease, vascular disease or neurological disorders may cause ED, especially in older men. Injury to the bladder or spinal cord or complications from surgeries performed on the prostate, bladder or urinary system may also contribute to failure to achieve an erection. Many different prescription drugs, or alcohol, tobacco or recreational drug use may also be the underlying cause of ED.

Lifestyle Changes

• Some men who experience erectile dysfunction experience a significant improvement in their symptoms by simply adopting a healthier lifestyle. Quitting smoking and incorporating healthy exercise into a daily routine help improve blood flow, eliminate stress, build energy levels and tone the body and heart. Men who experience ED caused in whole or in part by psychological problems may find a great deal of symptom relief through learning better techniques to cope with stress, such as deep breathing, guided meditation, getting plenty of sleep and goal-setting.

Sex Therapy

• Sex therapy is often used in combination with other treatment methods to help men and couples cope with potential psychological stresses that may be partially responsible for erectile dysfunction symptoms or psychological problems that arise because of the condition. A sex therapist can help couples talk about sex and set realistic expectations to reduce tension and increase communication.

Medication

• The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved only three oral drugs to treat erectile dysfunction as of September 2009. Cialis, Levitra and Viagra all work in similar ways, though there are differences in how long and how quickly the drugs work. According to WebMD, Levitra and Viagra both take effect within about 30 minutes. Viagra usually lasts about four hours, while Levitra typically lasts for around five hours. Cialis usually begins working within 15 minutes, and the effects can last up to 36 hours. Cialis is also available in a daily pill. Patients taking nitroglycerin or alpha-blockers for low blood pressure or prostate problems should inform their doctors, as ED drugs may cause dangerous low blood pressure. Side effects of all three FDA-approved ED drugs are similar. The most common are headache, upset stomach, heartburn, nasal congestion, vision changes and flushing.

Surgery

• Vascular reconstructive surgery to improve blood flow to the penis is a rare erectile dysfunction treatment. It is usually only performed on younger men who experience ED symptoms as a result of an injury to the penis. Vascular reconstructive surgery is costly and often ineffective at eliminating ED symptoms. According to doctors at the Glickman Urological Institute at the Cleveland Clinic, even studies with the best results show only 1 out of 20 men experiencing an improvement in ED symptoms after surgery.