Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction or commonly referred to as impotence is a temporary or in some cases permanent condition in which the male partner is unable to achieve or maintain a permanent erection for sexual activity. This condition is more common in men with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and low HDL levels. In cases where the condition is temporary or occurs occasionally, it is not a cause for concern. But a visit to a urologist for advanced problems is mandatory, if not, preferably in a urology clinic. It is imperative that you overcome the confusion and discomfort of erectile dysfunction by discussing your condition with a doctor and getting it treated as soon as possible.
Impotence Causes
- As a complication of chronic conditions like Diabetes, Hypertension, heart diseases etc.,
- Complication of radiation therapy for Cancers especially prostate cancer
- Lower spinal cord injury
- Psychological disturbances like depression, anxiety, stress, Sleep disorders etc.,
- Hormonal disturbances: Some of the patients with erectile dysfunction might also have reduced testosterone levels
- Medications like antihypertensive and antipsychotic agents
- Smoking, Alcohol and other forms of substance abuse
- High cholesterol, Obesity
- Conditions like Parkinson's disease, Multiple sclerosis
- Metabolic syndrome — a condition with increased blood pressure, high insulin levels, body fat around the waist and high cholesterol
- Peyronie's disease — development of scar tissue inside the penis
- Erectile dysfunction along with retrograde ejaculation is common in diabetic patients and it is indicative of damage to nerves – Diabetic neuropathy. The frequency of the condition of erectile dysfunction increases with age and with the duration of diabetes and this might be present in the absence of other signs and symptoms of Diabetic neuropathy too.
Impotence Prevention
No problem is without a solution, but a wiser action would be to avoid the problem in the first place. To prevent the issue of Erectile dysfunction, adopt healthy lifestyle practices like:
- Manage your chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension by regularly following up with your doctor.
- Stop smoking, limit or avoid alcohol, and do not use illegal drugs.
- Prevent obesity by regular physical activity.
- Get help if you are experiencing long periods of stress, anxiety, sleeplessness etc.,
Treatment
During the treatment, the patient is first told about the erectile dysfunction test done in Chennai and then about the preventive measures recommended above. In addition, oral medications, self-injections and hormone replacement therapy are prescribed. Surgery is considered an option to remove the causes in extreme cases. In some cases, when drugs do not give favourable results, it is recommended to use vacuum compression devices, the operation of which is clearly explained by the doctor.
