Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED), formerly known as impotence, is defined as the persistent inability to attain or maintain penile erection sufficiently for sexual intercourse. An estimated 10-20 million American men have some degree of erectile dysfunction. Although the incidence of ED increases steadily with age, it is not an inevitable consequence of aging. Erectile dysfunction affects only about 5% of men under age 40, whereas, it affects about 50% of American men between ages 40 to 70.

In general, the causes of erectile dysfunction (ED) may be grouped into the following two major categories:

• Psychogenic erectile dysfunction - the disorder is caused by or attributed to the persons thoughts and emotions.
• Organic erectile dysfunction - the disorder is caused by or can be attributed to a detectable physiological or structural abnormality or change in an organ.

The treatment options for erectile dysfunction (ED) depend to a great extent upon whether the underlying cause is primarily psychological or organic. In general, the treatment options for ED may be grouped into the following categories:

First-line treatments

• Education and counseling
• Lifestyle modifications
• Drug therapy (testosterone replacement therapy; PDE-5 inhibitors such as Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra)
• Pelvic floor exercises

Second-line treatments

• Intraurethral alprostadil
• Intracavernosal penile injection of alprostadil
• Penile vacuum pumps

Third-line treatments

• Surgical implantation of a penile implant prosthesis
• Revascularization of obstructed arteries

It is important for men with ED to learn as much as possible about the various treatment options and understand the risks and benefits of each treatment modality. Because ED also affects the patients partner, it is equally important to involve their partner in the decision making process.

Learn more by ordering your MediFocus Guidebook on Erectile Dysfunction, the most comprehensive, up-to-date source of information available. You will get answers to your questions, including:

• What are the risk factors of Erectile Dysfunction?
• What standard and alternative treatment options are available?
• Where are the leading doctors, hospitals and medical centers that specialize in Erectile Dysfunction research and treatment?
• What are the results of the latest clinical trials?
• Where are the support groups and additional resources in my area?
• What are the promising new treatments on the horizon?

You won't find this combination of information anywhere else. Your health matters. Don't leave it to chance. Arm yourself with the most comprehensive, up-to-date research available by ordering your MediFocus Guidebook today. Click here to preview the MediFocus Guidebook on Erectile Dysfunction.