Erectile Dysfunction and Impotence

The short answer is no, the two terms are heavily associated with one another and are sometimes referred to as the same condition. But there is a clear difference. Erectile dysfunction is the repeated inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. The word impotence is a much broader term used to define erectile failure as well as other problems that are closely linked with sexual intercourse and reproduction. A man can be impotent if he lacks sexual desire or has difficulties with his ejaculation or orgasm. Using the term erectile dysfunction is a simpler way of distancing erectile failure from those 2 problems.

Statistics on erectile dysfunction

It is estimated that half of all men between 40 and 70 years of age will experience some degree of erectile dysfunction at least once in their lifetime. Clinical data also shows that 22% of 40-year-old men and up to 49% of 70-year-old men may be suffering with this condition. Erectile dysfunction causes can be both physical and psychological, although the majority of the cases can be treated accordingly after diagnosis by a doctor or urologist. If left untreated, erectile dysfunction may spiral into further psychological problems that have a negative impact on a couple’s sexual relationship.

How does an erection happen?

For an erection to happen sensory or mental stimulation, or both, must take place. Impulses are sent from the brain and local nerves telling the muscles of the corpora cavernosa (the 2 chambers that run the length of the penis) to relax, allowing blood to flow in and fill the spaces. The blood creates pressure in the 2 chambers, which makes the penis expand. The membrane surrounding the corpora cavernosa is called the tunica albuginea. For as long as blood remains in the tunica albuginea, the penis remains erect. The penis returns to a flaccid state when blood drains from the penis.

Health problems associated with erectile dysfunction?

Erectile failure can happen when the tissues, nerves, arteries or muscles in or surrounding the penis become damaged. Other erectile dysfunction symptoms include: diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease, chronic alcoholism, multiple sclerosis, atherosclerosis, vascular disease and neurologic disease account for about 70% percent of erectile dysfunction cases. This sexual disorder can also be caused by diabetes type 2.

What causes erectile dysfunction?

Physical erectile dysfunction causes are responsible for roughly 70-80% of all cases, these include:

Reduced blood flow to the penis: like other parts of the body, the arteries which carry blood to the penis can become narrowed and restrict blood flow, which may prevent an erection from happening.

Diabetes: one of the most common erectile dysfunction causes; diabetes can affect blood vessels and nerves, which inhibits blood flow.

Side-effect of certain medicines: medications such as antidepressants and betablockers such as propranolol and atenolol sometimes cause erectile dysfunction.

Psychological causes also contribute to this problem, such as stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties and depression.

How can erectile dysfunction be treated?

To treat the problem and improve your condition you can use the following proven medications:

Viagra: the first erectile dysfunction drug introduced onto the market. Viagra enables more blood to flow to the penis, making it easier to achieve an erection and enjoy a healthy sex life again.

Cialis: this medication works by widening the blood vessels in your penis which allows for increased blood flow. Cialis works within 30 minutes and is effective for up to 36 hours. Cialis also comes as a daily tablet.

Levitra: is particularly effective in older men because of its low strength dosage. Levitra is also beneficial for men with underlying health conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes. Levitra is now available as a fast-working, dissolvable tablet.

	Cialis	Viagra	Levitra
Ingredient	Tadalafil	Sildenafil	Vardenafil
Dosage	10mg, 20mg	25mg, 50mg, 100mg	5mg, 10mg, 20mg
Time taken to work	30-60 minutes	30-60 minutes	15-120 minutes
Usage	As needed, one dosage per day	As needed, one dosage per day	As needed, one dosage per day
Length of effects	Up to 36 hours	Up to 4-5 hours	Up to 4-5 hours
Side effects	Headache, indigestion View Prices	Headache, flushing, indigestion View Prices	Headache, flushing View Prices