Ten Erectile Dysfunction Facts

by: Amy Otis, RN

1. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common problem.

2. ED is defined as the repeated inability to sustain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse.

3. ED may be caused by physical factors, psychological factors or by medications.

4. ED may be caused by a problems in any of the components of the body that are required to produce an erection. These include:

Nerve impulses originating in the brain
Conduction of nerve impulses down the spinal cord
Conduction of nerve impulses between the spinal cord and the penis
Arteries and veins that supple the penis
The fibrous, muscular and vascular structures of the penis

5. Some common diseases are associated with an increased risk of erectile dysfunction. As some diseases progress, the disease will impact the function of nerves, blood vessels, vascular, and muscular structures of the penis.

6. Diseases associated with an increased risk of ED include diabetes, kidney disease, chronic alcoholism, vascular disease, multiple sclerosis, atherosclerosis.

7. In some cases, ED may be an early signal of heart or blood vessel disease.

8. Between 35 and 50 percent of men with diabetes experience ED.

9. Making an appointment with your physician or health care provider is the first step in the evaluation and treatment of erectile dysfunction.

10. ED can be treated! So, make that phone call.

See Erectile Dysfunction for more

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