| : Erectile dysfunction (ED or (male) impotence): is a sexual dysfunction characterized by the inability to develop or maintain an erection of the penis. There are various underlying causes, such as cardiovascular leakage and diabetes, many of which are medically treatable.The causes of erectile dysfunction may be physiological or psychological. Physiologically, erection is a hydraulic mechanism based upon blood entering and being retained in the penis, and there are various ways in which this can be impeded, most of which are amenable to treatment. Psychological impotence is where erection or penetration fails due to thoughts or feelings rather than physical impossibility; this can often be helped. Notably in psychological impotence there is a very strong placebo effect.The causes of erectile dysfunction may be physiological or psychological. Physiologically, erection is a hydraulic mechanism based upon blood entering and being retained in the penis, and there are various ways in which this can be impeded, most of which are amenable to treatment. Psychological impotence is where erection or penetration fails due to thoughts or feelings rather than physical impossibility; this can often be helped. Notably in psychological impotence there is a very strong placebo effect.Erectile dysfunction is characterized by the regular or repeated inability to obtain or maintain an erection. There are several ways that erectile dysfunction is analyzed |
Obtaining full erections at some times, such as when asleep , tends to suggest the physical structures are functionally working. However the opposite case, a lack of nocturnal erections, does not imply the opposite, since a significant proportion of sexually functional men do not routinely get nocturnal erections or wet dreams. - Obtaining erections which are either not rigid or full (lazy erection), or are lost more rapidly than would be expected (often before or during penetration), can be a sign of a failure of the mechanism which keeps blood held in the penis, and may signify an underlying clinical condition, often cardiovascular in origin.
- Other factors leading to erectile dysfunction are diabetes mellitus or hypogonadism
Erection problems are very common. The Sexual Dysfunction Association estimates that 1 in 10 men in the UK have recurring problems with their erections at some point in their life. |
Causes- Neurogenic Disorders (spinal cord and brain injuries, nerve disorders such as Parkinsons disease, Alzheimers disease, multiple sclerosis, and stroke).
- Mental disorders (clinical depression, schizophrenia, substance abuse, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, personality disorders or traits).
- Hormonal Disorders (pituitary gland tumor; low level of the hormone testosterone).
- Arterial Disorders (peripheral vascular disease, hypertension; reduced blood flow to the penis).
- Cavernosal Disorders.
- Nonphysical causes: psychological problems, negative feelings.
- Aging.
- Lifestyle: alcohol and drugs, obesity, cigarette smoking.
- Other disorders.
A few causes of impotence may be iatrogenic . Various antihypertensives and some drugs that modify central nervous system response may inhibit erection by denying blood supply or by altering nerve activity. |
Side effectsIncreased risk of infection is a common side effect of all immunosuppressant drugs. The immune system protects the body from infections; when the immune system is suppressed, infections are more likely. Taking such antibiotics as co-trimoxazole prevents some of these infections. Immunosuppressant drugs are also associated with a slightly increased risk of cancer because the immune system plays a role in protecting the body against some forms of cancer. |
Other Side Effects: Stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, mouth ulcers, darkened urine, pale stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or white portion of the eyes), unusual bleeding or bruising. A serious (and life threatening) side effect is reduced activity of bone marrow, but this can be monitored with regular blood tests. Occasionally, patients taking immunosuppressants will develop pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) some months after starting these drugs.Increased risk of infection is a common side effect of all immunosuppressant drugs. The immune system protects the body from infections; when the immune system is suppressed, infections are more likely |
