Erectile dysfunction: What is impotence? What causes it? How can you cure it? - Daily Star

Erectile dysfunction: Everything you need to know about the common penis problem

TODAY is National Impotence Day. Erectile dysfunction can be an embarrassing, but the fact is, it affects the majority of men at some point. Here is everything you need to know about ED.

While many couples and singles across the world celebrate Valentine's Day, it is important not to forget National Impotence Day.

The day aims to raise awareness about Erectile dysfunction (ED).

ED, also known as impotence, can affect a man’s sex life and confidence.

Many men feel embarrassed about ED, often feeling something is wrong with them, but it actually affect around 70% of men at some point in their lives.

It is helpful to know that ED is both common and treatable.

Here is everything you need to know about erectile dysfunction:


ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION: Many men feel embarrassed, but impotence is a common problem

What is erectile dysfunction?

ED is the inability to achieve or keep an erection during intercourse or sexual relations.

Some men will be unable to achieve an erection at all. Others will have trouble maintaining the erection.

Most men will at some point in their lives experience impotence.

It is most common in older men, with 70% of men over the age of 70 suffering from it to some extent.

While 50% of men aged between 40 and 70 also suffer from the embarrassing condition.

Man gripping crotch GETTY - STOCK

COMMON: Most men will at some point in their lives experience impotence

What causes erectile dysfunction?

The causes of ED can be psychological or physical.

When a man is aroused, the brain sends signals to the blood in the penis, relaxing the arteries and allowing blood to flow in.

When someone experiences ED, this process has been has been interfered.

There are two different causes of ED, psychological and physical.


In many caces it is the thoughts a man is having that is giving him trouble. These thought can come from .

Other factors could be stress, relationship issues, lack of sexual knowledge or previous sexual abuse.

Fear of failure, or overthinking sex can also lead to ED.

Psychological and physical factors are often interlinked. If someone is experiences ED due to a physical reason, it could develop into a psychological reason.

It is said psychological issues cause between 10 and 20% of ED cases.


PRESCRIBED HELP: Viagra can be described to help erectile dysfunction


There are four main types of physical ED.

They are:

- Vasculogenic conditions: Affecting blood flow

- Hormonal conditions: Affecting hormone levels

- Anatomical conditions: Affecting the structure of the penis

- Neurogenic conditions: Affecting the nerves, brain and spinal cord.

One problem that especially affects older men is circulatory problems, which affect the blood flow to the penis. This includes high blood pressure, high cholesterol and hardening of the blood vessels.

Other underlying issues could be diabetes, hormonal imbalance and obesity.

Smoking, alcohol or drug abuse can also affect ED. Some medicines, including antidepressants and blood pressure medicine may also have an influence.

Couple at doctor's GETTY - STOCK

TREATMENT: There are many options when it comes to treating ED

How can you cure erectile dysfunction?

There are many options when it comes to treating ED. Modern treatments boast effectively treating 80% of cases.

Many health professionals will treat the underlying cause of the impotence, which can be physical or psychological.

Some medicines can also be prescribed to help ED. These include , Cialis, Levitra and Spedra.

However, these medicines are not always advised, as they can affect the heart rate.

Additional treatments offered to suffers are intracavernous injection therapy, vacuum constriction devices and intraurethral therapy.

Sex therapists can help if the reason is psychological. It is also recommended that healthy lifestyle choices are made to prevent ED.

This means, cutting back on alcohol and exercising more.