Types Of Erectile Dysfunction And How To Treat Them
Erectile dysfunction is characterized by a complete, partial or inconsistent inability to get and maintain penile erection that would enable a man for a satisfactory sexual intercourse. Most men experience some form of erectile dysfunction sooner or later in their lives, but the problem usually resolves by itself. Persistent erectile dysfunction is usually an early sign of coronary artery disease, particularly if it is accompanied by symptoms such as narrowing of the penile artery.
The causes of erectile dysfunction range from psychological factors such as stress, anxiety and relationship problems to physical factors such as smoking, alcohol intake, diabetes and hormonal deficiencies. The appropriate treatment for this common sexual problem depends on the type of erectile dysfunction a certain man suffers from.
The main forms of impotence
1. Venogenic impotence occurs when the penile veins leak blood and thus do not provide a firm erection. In this type of impotence, penile veins lock themselves almost entirely and block proper blood circulation. About fifty percent of all impotence cases are due to venous leakage. Most men with this condition have never had a normal erection as adults, but some may improve it after years of normal sex life.
2. Diabetic impotence occurs in people who suffer from diabetes. About half of all men with diabetes also suffer from erectile dysfunction and need to seek treatment on a monthly basis. A doctor needs to perform blood tests such as HBA1C or fructosamine. If HBA1C levels are found to be higher than normal, then a diet and medications are changed accordingly.
3. Neurogenic impotence occurs when the sensitive tissues of penile nerves are damaged due to factors such as back injury, or perineal or pelvic trauma.
4. Psychogenic impotence occurs when a man is unable to achieve or sustain an erection due to psychological factors such as performance anxiety, guilt, frustration, or a troubled relationship.
5. Arteriogenic impotence occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the penis do not work properly and there is a weaker blood flow in penis. Narrowing of the arteries is very often in older men population or in those with high blood pressure or diabetes.
6. Hormonal impotence occurs due to an imbalance in the levels of estrogen and testosterone in a man’s blood. However, this condition primarily causes loss of libido rather than erectile dysfunction.
Treating impotence with prescription medications and natural ED treatments
Prescription medications may not work for all forms of erectile dysfunction. Pills such as Viagra, Levitra and Cialis have been specially formulated to address some of the causes of erectile dysfunction. All three belong to a class of medications known as PDE5 inhibitors. PDE5 is a chemical that blocks the flow of blood to the penis, thereby preventing a satisfactory erection. PDE5 inhibitors restrict the effects of PDE5 and facilitate the flow of blood to the penis. If erectile dysfunction has been caused due to limited blood flow to the penis, these medications might help resolve it.
If prescription medications do not help, erectile dysfunction can also be cured with the help of other remedies such as herbal cures for impotence or erection oils based on a combination of herbs, plant extracts and other natural ingredients; vacuum pumps, penile implants, and penile surgery as well as changes in a lifestyle such as cutting down on alcohol, recreational drugs and smoking. Severe erectile problems generally require treatment by a qualified medical expert.
