sufficient for sexual fulfilment, for at least the last 3-4 months. It is very common, is age related and affects at least 40% of patients above 40 years.
ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION (ED)
Definition: The consistent inability to initiate and/or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual fulfilment, for at least the last 3-4 months. It is very common, is age related and affects at least 40% of patients above 40 years.
Symptoms
Causes
Risk
Prevention
Management
ED Self Test
- Trouble getting an erection.
- Trouble keeping an erection.
- Reduced sexual desire.
There are two main causes of ED, physical or organic causes which are usually the majority and psychogenic or psychological causes.
Physical/Organic causes
- Hypertension.
- High Cholesterol.
- Diabetes Mellitus.
- Atheroscelosis.
- Certain prescription drugs.
- Some types of surgery.
Psychogenic causes
- Anxiety and depression.
- Stress.
- Relationship problems.
- Age >=40 yrs.
- Tobacco use.
- Being overweight.
- Medical conditions especially Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus and Heart condition.
- Injuries.
- Prescription drugs e.g. antidepressants and some antihypertensives.
- Psychological conditions-stress, anxiety, depression.
Make healthy lifestyle choices and manage existing health conditions through:
- Regular exercise.
- Stop smoking, limit or avoid alcohol, do not use illegal drugs.
- Regular check-up and medical screening.
- Reduce stress.
- Optimally manage chronic health conditions with your doctor.
- Weight loss.
- Oral prescription medications.
- Psychological counselling.
- Pumps and Implants.
- Surgery.
- You can have a self-test by using the IIEF self-test questionnaire before consulting your Doctor. Click Here for the test
