What Is Erectile Dysfunction? Many years ago, erectile dysfunction was referred to as impotence; today it is simply called ED. What is ED? ED is the inability of a man to maintain an erection which is adequate enough to complete the act of sexual intercourse. Men will often go through periods where difficulties with getting and maintaining an erection occur. Normally, these periods are brief and are nothing to be concerned about. However, should these periods become extensive, lasting into months, then there may be something more pressing than just ED. Erectile dysfunction can certainly cause anxiety and stress in a relationship, it may also be a signal that there is another health problem such as high blood pressure or diabetes. ED treatment may be a matter of treating the underlying health issue. The signs of ED: There are no outward signs of ED, there is no rash, there is no dizzy feeling, nothing like that, and however there are symptoms that the sufferer notices: • Difficult to achieve an erection o Difficult to maintain an erection once achieved • Greatly reduced libido • If these signs persist for more than a few days or a week, it may be important to see a doctor. There may be something causing the ED and only by assessing the general health of the sufferer, will the doctor be able to suggest help for ED. What causes ED? Let’s first analyze what happens when a man achieves an erection. When the man is sexually stimulated, the brain tells the sift muscles in the penis to relax, this relaxation results in the penis filling with blood and becoming engorged. The penis expands in all directions. As the two main tubes that run down the length of the penis expand, they block the release of the blood so the erection is maintained. Ed is a problem with blood flow, in younger sufferers it may be a problem in other parts of the body as well, usually referred to as "poor circulation." In the event a person's sex drive is low, the libido, this can also be a cause. At times, erectile dysfunction can be caused by a combination of physical and emotional issues. A person who has high blood pressure and also suffers a bout of anxiety will often suffer from ED. ED treatment can depend on several factors; the treatment the doctor recommends depends on the severity, the patient’s age and underlying health concerns.
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