Erectile dysfunction is a condition in which a man either fails to get an erection or loses it quickly during sexual intercourse. Many men fail to get an erection on occasion, but this doesn't mean that they are suffering from this condition. A condition is identified as erectile dysfunction only if it happens regularly and over a long period of time.
Some men don't understand erectile dysfunction because they are either too embarrassed to talk about it or don't have enough knowledge to realize that they have a medical problem. For example, most people think that erectile dysfunction and impotency are the same thing. Impotency may include erectile dysfunction, but there are many other psychological factors responsible for impotency also.
In order to know whether you are suffering from erectile dysfunction or not, you must consult a doctor. The doctor will examine you and study your medical history. It is very important to seek a doctor's help to determine whether you have this condition, as sometimes the same conditions can be a sign of some other type of sexual dysfunction.
Erectile dysfunction is also more common than most people think. According to an article in "The Journal of Urology ," around 153 million men worldwide and 30 million in the United States suffer from this condition, but only 10 percent of cases are ever treated because most men won't consult a doctor for this problem as they are either too embarrassed or think that there is no cure. The truth is that even though this condition cannot be cured completely, with the right medical attention, the problem can be brought under control to a great extent.
Erectile dysfunction may be caused due to many medical and health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes. Basically, a man can get erectile dysfunction because of any condition that disrupts the flow of blood to the male genitals during sexual intercourse.
Erectile Dysfunction Facts
Aug 11, 2011 | By
