Home Truths About Erectile Dysfunction or ED

Male impotence also known as ED or erectile dysfunction is a common condition in men, ages 40 to 70.

If in the past few weeks you have been experiencing impotence or erectile dysfunction, see your doctor immediately as it may be the first sign of some complicated health conditions such as heart problems.

There are numerous causes for men to experience erectile dysfunction which could be either psychological or physical or both. Here are some of the physical causes:

  • Injury or surgery
  • Hypertension, diabetes or high cholesterol problems that can lead to a constriction of the blood vessels in the penis
  • Hormonal imbalances

The psychological aspects causing male impotence may include:

  • Problems in relationships
  • Anxiety
  • Depression

Some men experience erectile dysfunctions in some situations. An example would be getting an erection in the mornings upon waking up or when masturbating, but would not be able to get it up with a sexual partner.

When this occurs, it could be due to stress which is a psychological reason. However, not getting an erection in any situation could be due to physical conditions.

Certain medications could also cause erectile dysfunction as a side effect.


It may be one of the embarrassing moments for a man to admit that he has erectile problems. Yet, the best option is to seek medical advice. The doctor can diagnose male impotence through questions about the symptoms experienced. Tests and physical examination can also be done by the doctor to find underlying causes to the sexual dysfunction.


The first line of treatment is to find out the underlying causes that led to the development of the erectile dysfunction. It may be either psychological or physical or a combination of both factors.

Atherosclerosis, which is the constriction of arteries, is one of the most common reasons for acquiring erectile dysfunction. In cases like these, the first thing that your doctor will recommend is a change in lifestyles which include:

  • Weight loss especially when you are overweight
  • Quit smoking
  • Lessening alcohol intake
  • Quit taking prohibited drugs
  • Regular exercise
  • Stress reduction techniques such as listening to music, reading a book or taking a walk

In some cases, lifestyle changes restored health with marked improvements in the erectile dysfunction condition.

If there is the presence of hypertension, the doctor will prescribe statins to lower down cholesterol levels, treat atherosclerosis, and lower blood pressure.

Erectile dysfunction has been successfully treated with various medications. PDE-5 inhibitor drugs are the most effective medications used for treating male impotence. These drugs temporarily allow blood flow to the penis leading to an erection.

Here are the four PDE-5 inhibitors that are widely used:

  • Avanafil, known for its brand name Spedra
  • Sildenafil, known for its brand name Viagra
  • Vardenafil, known for its brand name Levitra
  • Tadalafil, known for its brand name Cialis

Avanafil, Sildenafil, and Vardenafil lasts for eight hours and work as per need drugs. Treatment that needs a longer period of time will benefit with the 36-hour duration of Tadalafil.

Sex therapy and CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy has also worked very well for erectile dysfunction cases that involve psychological reasons.