Erectile Dysfunction
erectile dysfunction (ED) should be distinguished from other male sexual functioning difficulties sometimes erroneously referred to as impotence, such as premature ejaculation, male orgasmic disorder (delay or absence of orgasm) and hypoactive sexual desire disorder (lack of or diminished sexual interest or desire). Men with erectile dysfunction (ED) may or may not suffer from these other problems.
Current statistics are not available for South Africa, but in America about 10% of men are believed to be affected by erectile dysfunction (ED). Incidence rises with age: about five percent of men at the age of 40 and between 15 and 25% of men at the age of 65 suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED) and the percentage grows to 70% as men reach 80 years of age. As men age, they typically report some loss of sexual desire as well, although neither loss of desire nor erectile dysfunction (ED) is an unavoidable feature of ageing.
erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to develop and maintain an erection for satisfactory sexual intercourse or activity in the absence of an ejaculatory disorder such as premature ejaculation). erectile dysfunction (ED) is the preferred term rather than the more commonly used term of impotence. There are no universally agreed on criteria for how consistent the problem has to be and for what duration it needs to be present to fulfill the definition. A period of persistence for longer than 3 months of erectile dysfunction (ED) has been suggested as a reasonable clinical guideline.
Although erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common problem, many patients are reluctant to discuss it. Certainly, some patients who present with issues relating to depression or anxiety disorders may actually have a significant problem with erectile dysfunction. Additionally, patients who are poorly compliant with medication prescribed for hypertension may be experiencing significant erectile dysfunction (ED). The best way to elicit whether the problem is present is to ask questions about sexual function as a routine part of the examination.
erectile dysfunction (ED) doesn't have to be a part of getting older. It's true that as you get older, you may need more stimulation (such as stroking and touching) to get an erection. You might also need more time between erections, this is not erectile dysfunction (ED). But older men should still be able to get an erection and enjoy sex.
