Erectile Dysfunction and Related Disorders
Erectile dysfunction, sometimes referred to more generally as impotence or sexual dysfunction, can be difficult to treat because it is often related to several other disorders. Erectile dysfunction affects a person's whole being: it touches their psychological state of mind, as well as affecting their physical being. It can make men feel less confident about their sense of masculinity, and they may avoid intimacy as a result. Although these kinds of feelings are understandable, they are not wholly logical. Research has shown that the majority of erectile dysfunction cases do not stem from lack of virility or masculinity, but simple diagnosable medical conditions. Here is a short run-down on the disorders that are most related to erectile dysfunction. In many cases, simply treating these disorders can help alleviate most or all of the symptoms of male sexual dysfunction.
Impaired blood flow is the number one culprit in most erectile dysfunction cases. This means that blood is simply not flowing efficiently to the penis. There are various conditions that can lead to impaired blood flow. These may include: high blood pressure, diabetes, hardening of the arteries, cardiac problems, and other serious conditions. In older adults, it is estimated that nearly 40 percent of erectile dysfunction cases are the result of hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis.
Other common disorders that are related to erectile dysfunction include nerve disorders. The nervous system is incredibly important to our overall health, and it has a great say in how our sexual lives play out. Damage to the nerve system can easily result in erectile dysfunction or other sexual dysfunction problems. Nerve system damage can be incurred from spinal injuries, strokes, Parkinson's disease, and other neurological disorders. When our nerve system is damaged, our brain is sometimes no longer capable of sending out the signals and messages that convey sexual stimulation. Damage to the nervous system can lead to the patient's inability to achieve erection in a normal manner.
Endocrine disorders are also commonly related to incidences of erectile dysfunction. Endocrine problems may include low hormonal levels, including low levels of testosterone. They can also be related to problems of the pituitary gland and other hormonal imbalances. As men age, their body decreases testosterone production by about one percent each year. This can cause men to experience more frequent bouts with sexual impotence as they age.
Other disorders that are related to erectile dysfunction include damage or trauma incurred in the pelvic area. The penis is sensitive—any growth, scarring or calcification can result in sexual dysfunction. One such disorder that causes these symptoms is known as Peyronie's disease. Peyronie's is an inflammatory disorder that causes scarring to the penis, which in turn causes the penis to bend abnormally.
Erectile dysfunction is understood a chronic disorder. Other chronic disorders that may contribute to sexual dysfunction include chronic renal failure, Alzheimer's disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and hepatic failure. Successful treatment of these conditions can often allow the patient to regain much of their ability to perform sexually.