Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is defined as a man's inability to obtain or maintain an erection.

Although everyone experiences occasional problems maintaining an erection, erectile dysfunction only occurs in 25% of attempts.

Causes

-Diabetes
-Hypertension
-Arteriosclerosis
-Multiple sclerosis
-High cholesterol
-Parkinson's disease
-Cardiovascular or neurological diseases
-Kidney or liver disease
-Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy
-Prostate or bladder surgeries
-Prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate)
-Injuries to the penis, spine, prostate, bladder or pelvis
-Hormonal imbalances
-Some blood pressure medications, as well as antihistamines, tranquilisers, antidepressants and appetite -suppressants
-Smoking
-Excessive use of alcohol or other drugs such as cocaine or marijuana
-Emotional problems such as stress, anxiety or depression

Symptoms

Erectile dysfunction has no symptoms, so it is necessary to see a specialist for a diagnosis.

Diagnosis

To provide a diagnosis, the reproductive specialist will ask you to answer a questionnaire known as the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), which consists of five questions that will allow him or her to establish the level of erectile dysfunction.

In addition to a physical examination to look for evidence of other diseases, your doctor may perform a blood test to determine your testosterone, luteinising hormone, prolactin, thyroid hormones, glucose or cholesterol levels.