What is erectile dysfunction?

Modern urology defines erectile dysfunction as a persistent inability to achieve and maintain an erection for a duration of at least six months. The following symptoms may indicate erectile dysfunction:

• An erection insufficient for sexual intercourse
• An erection that suddenly disappears during intercourse
• A complete absence of an erection

In a man's body, there is a constant interplay and competition between erectogenic and inhibiting factors. Erectogenic factors include visual, tactile, and olfactory erotic stimuli, while inhibiting factors encompass anxiety, fear, apprehension, expectation of failure, depression, overwork, and chronic stress. Modern men often experience an abundance of these inhibiting factors in their lives.

While it may be tempting to attribute persistent failures in the bedroom to stress and overwork, erectile dysfunction is psychogenic in only 10-15% of cases. The primary cause of the condition in most men lies in the state of their blood vessels. Vascular disease is the leading cause of erectile dysfunction, and it may also be an early symptom of cardiovascular disease. Coronary heart disease is present in 40% of patients suffering from erectile dysfunction for four years. Unfortunately, only 7-10% of men receive treatment aimed at restoring blood vessel health, and treatment is not always effective.

Erectile dysfunction and medication is a complex topic. There are far more drugs that can cause this condition than those that genuinely help treat it. Medications such as diuretics, antidepressants, tranquilizers, gastric ulcer treatments, hormonal drugs (corticosteroids), and others can negatively affect male potency.

Fortunately, effective drugs for impotence are widely available today, and even healthy men may use them to enhance their sexual experiences. However, patients with erectile dysfunction often increase drug dosages to intensify the effect, disregarding their doctor's recommendations. This is strongly discouraged, as each medication can cause serious unwanted side effects. Most side effects are related to the primary mechanism of action, which is vascular dilation. Common side effects include headache, flushing, dizziness, nasal congestion, and nausea.

Medications for erectile dysfunction are contraindicated in patients with ischemic heart disease who take nitrates and molsidomine-containing agents.

It is crucial for relatives, especially the woman in a man's life, to encourage him to seek medical help as soon as possible if he experiences erectile dysfunction. The decision to pursue treatment is already a significant step towards recovery. Unfortunately, many men spend 2-5 years searching for adequate treatment, often receiving prescriptions for prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia rather than addressing their erectile dysfunction. As a result, herbal remedies with low effectiveness remain the most frequently prescribed treatments for sexual disorders.

Erectile dysfunction is a sensitive issue, but understanding its causes and seeking timely treatment can significantly improve a man's quality of life and overall well-being. Open communication with healthcare professionals and loved ones is essential in navigating this challenging condition.