The Uphill Battle Erectile Dysfunction Explained.

What are the causes behind erection problems and how can they best be addressed

? We investigate.

The little-understood and quite frankly, little discussed issue of erectile dysfunction (ED) is wrought with mistruths. For one, the way that health experts interpret the condition (which is putting too significant a word on it, incidence is probably better) has shifted over recent years.

Once believed to be largely psychologically-triggered, be it the result of anxiety or depression, these factors are now thought to account for just one in ten cases [1]. Instead, most among the medical profession put the majority of cases down to physical illness [1].

Otherwise known as impotence, ED is simply an inability to get and sustain an erection. According to a recent study from the USA, it affects one in ten men worldwide and can stem from a host of conditions including diabetes and high blood pressure. Essentially, ED plays out by affecting the blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. [2]

Naturally then, lifestyle factors which impede blood flow can also constitute triggers. These range from smoking and drinking alcohol, to the side-effects of some prescription drugs. [1]

It must be said then considering most of us dont live like saints, occasional ED is normal either the result of consuming higher than usual amounts of alcohol, or simply not getting enough sleep.

Should it become a concern, however, there are a number of treatments both natural and medical to explore.

Many prescription tablets on the market work by inhibiting PDE 5, an enzyme in the penis that enhances the erectile response to normal sexual stimulation. Usually, these are taken one hour before sex. [1]

Other medical avenues range from vacuum devices (placed over the penis to create blow flow) and injections, to penile prosthesis and vascular surgery.

Breaking news

Theres also preliminary evidence suggesting the benefits of antioxidants for erectile dysfunction. Researchers from The Male Clinic and the University of California, for instance, conducted a study this month involving antioxidant-rich pomegranate juice. The results? 47 per cent of ED-affected men drinking the juice (237ml a day for four weeks, to be exact) reported improvements. According to the researchers, this may be explained by the drinks antioxidant content, which can prevent free radical molecules from disrupting proper circulatory function. [2].

REFERENCES

1. Better Health Channel. Victorian Department of Health. Erectile dysfunction treatments. http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Impotence_treatments?OpenDocument (accessed 23 July 2007)

2. NutraIngredients.Com. Daniells, S. Pomegranate juice may ease erectile dysfunction. http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/news/ng.asp?id=77867-pomegranate-antioxidant-erectile-dysfunction (accessed 23 July 2007)

by: Tony Uechtritz

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