1. What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile Dysfunction, or Impotence is the medical term used
to describe the inability of a man to achieve and/or maintain
an erection sufficient for sexual satisfaction.
2. How many men have Erectile Dysfunction?
It is estimated that approximately 30 million American men
suffer from some form of Erectile Dysfunction. This includes
half of all American men between the ages of 40 and 70.
3. What causes Erectile Dysfunction?
There are many causes, both physiologic and psychologic. It
may sometimes be a combination of both.
4. What is the difference between male infertility, impotence,
Erectile Dysfunction and premature ejaculation?
Infertility is defined as the inability to establish a pregnancy
after trying for one year. Impotence, another term for Erectile
Dysfunction, is the inability of a man to achieve or maintain
an erection. Premature Ejaculation is a term commonly used to
describe an ejaculation with minimum stimulation before a person
desires it. These conditions may occur together in the same person
or at different times. However, a person suffering from Erectile
Dysfunction or Premature Ejaculation may still be able to conceive
a child. The term Infertility means that no matter what other
conditions may or may not be present, the person is not able
to create a pregnancy.
5. Which doctors specialize in treating male sexual problems?
The physicians and surgeons who treat male sexual problems
are known as urologists.
6. What is this specialty called?
The subspecialty of Urology that deals with male fertility
is called Andrology. This subspecialty requires two years of
training after the normal Urology residency.
7. Why do they have two years extra training?
These physicians require two years extra training because this
particular subspecialty is evolving rapidly. A person would have
to dedicate himself full time to this subspecialty in order to
remain current.
8. Is Impotence (Erectile Dysfunction) a disease?
No, most likely it is a symptom or side-effect of something
else.
9. What type of medical problems can cause Erectile Dysfunction?
There are many medical problems that can cause Erectile Dysfunction.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension), Diabetes, Coronary Disease
(hardening of the arteries), High Cholesterol, Stroke, or Neurological
Disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease or
spinal cord injury.
10. What other medical events can cause Erectile Dysfunction?
Surgery or radiation in the pelvic area may cause Impotence.
Also, certain medications may have Impotence or Erectile Dysfunction
as a side-effect.
11. I am in my 20's and I don't have any of the medical conditions
listed, yet I often have trouble forming an erection. Is this
still Erectile Dysfunction and what would be the cause?
If you don't fall under the category of the previously mentioned
medical conditions, your cause may be psychological.
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