Impotence, or erectile dysfunction, can have a negative impact on quality of life as people age, but it doesn't have to be that way. The first step to overcoming erectile dysfunction is accepting and understanding our ever-changing bodies. Erectile dysfunction means that a man is unable to achieve or maintain an erection suitable for sexual intercourse. It does not mean that he has a problem with fertility, ejaculation, or orgasm. In the United States, it is estimated that 10 to 20 million men suffer from erectile dysfunction.
Erectile dysfunction is most often a symptom of an underlying medical disorder.
However, it can also be caused by anxiety or other physiological problems. Parkinson's disease To find the cause of erectile dysfunction, doctors usually begin by taking an in-depth look at a patient's medical and sexual history. The complete diagnostic work-up often includes a history, physical examination, laboratory studies, and physiological testing. The course of treatment for erectile dysfunction depends on whether the causes are mainly physiological or physical. Once determined, the most effective treatment for physiological problems may be counseling with a psychologist who specializes in sex therapy.