Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
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UW Health Urologist Dan Williams, MD, discusses the senstive topic of erectile dysfunction. |
Definition of Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction can encompass several different conditions of reproductive health and sexual dysfunction. It is a very common condition, but is also a very emotional and sensitive topic to discuss.
Erectile dysfunction is defined as the inability to maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse.
An occasional inability to maintain an erection happens to many men and can be normal. However, continual sexual problems may be signs of erectile dysfunction and should be evaluated by your physician.
In some cases, erectile dysfunction is the first sign of other underlying health conditions, such as cardiovascular problems, that need treatment.
Three Components of Male Sexual Function
There are three essential components of male sexual function:
- The ability to obtain and maintain an erection
- Ejaculation
- Climax
During an initial visit, the urologist will help to differentiate which components of the male sexual function are affected. This is an important step because the treatment for erectile dysfunction will differ depending on the affected components.
Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
There are many possible causes of erectile dysfunction, both physical and psychological, including:
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Psychological/Environmental |
Physical/Organic |
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About 5 percent of men that are 40 years old have complete erectile dysfunction, and that number increases to about 15 percent of men at age 70.
Mild and moderate erectile dysfunction affects approximately 10% of men per decade of life (i.e. 50 percent of men in their 50's, 60 percent of men in their 60's)
Erectile dysfunction can occur at any age, but it is more common in men that are older. Older men are more likely to have health conditions that require medication, which could interfere with erectile function. Additionally, as men age, they may need more stimulation to get an erection and more time between erections.
Achieving an erection is a complex process involving the brain, hormones, nerves, muscles and blood circulation. If something interferes with this process, the result may be erectile dysfunction. In some cases, the same risk factors for heart attacks and strokes are also identified when a man presents with erectile dysfunction.
Achieving an erection is a complex process involving the brain, hormones, nerves, muscles and blood circulation. If something interferes with this process, the result may be erectile dysfunction. In some cases, the same risk factors for heart attacks and strokes are also identified when a man presents with erectile dysfunction.
Preventing Erectile Dysfunction
There are several steps men can take to reduce their risk for erectile dysfunction, including:
There are several steps men can take to reduce their risk for erectile dysfunction, including:
- Quit smoking
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Limit or avoid the use of alcohol
- Reduce stress
- Get help for anxiety or depression
- Discontinue drugs with harmful side effects
- Have regular check-ups with a primary care physician
Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction
There are several different ways that erectile dysfunction can be treated. For some men, making a few healthy lifestyle changes may solve the problem. Your urologist will help determine the most effective course of treatment for your condition.
Treatment options for ED include:
- Oral medications (Viagra, Cialis, Levitra)
- Intracavernosal Injections (penile injections)
- Intraurethral suppository (MUSE)
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Vacuum erection devices
- Penile prosthesis surgery
- Sex therapy and counseling (both individual and couples)
