Erectile Dysfuntion (Impotence)
Erectile dysfunction (also called impotence) means that a man can't get an erection to have sex or can't keep an erection long enough to finish having sex. Erectile dysfunction can occur at any age, but it is more common in men older than 65. However, erectile dysfunction doesn't have to be a part of getting older. It's true that as you get older, you may need more stimulation (such as stroking and touching) to get an erection. You might also need more time between erections. But older men should still be able to get an erection and enjoy sex.
There are many potential causes of erectile dysfunction. Because impotence can be caused by serious health problems, a man experiencing erectile dysfunction should consult his physician first in order to rule out physical causes for the problem. The possibilities in terms of physical and medical causes include:
Alcohol use
Fatigue
Brain or spinal-cord injuries
Liver or kidney failure
Multiple sclerosis
Radiation therapy to the testicles
Stroke
Some types of prostate or bladder surgery
Diabetes (high blood sugar)
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Side effect of medication
There are also
non-physical problems that cause erectile dysfunction, including problems in
your relationship with your sexual partner. Psychological disorders, such as
depression and anxiety, can also cause erectile dysfunction. Other
feelings that can lead to importance include:
Feeling nervous about sex, perhaps because of a bad experience or a previous episode of impotence.
Feeling stressed, including stress from work or family situations.
Being troubled by problems in your relationship with your sex partner.
Feeling depressed.
Feeling so self-conscious that you can't enjoy sex.
Thinking that your partner is reacting negatively to you.
Dr. McBee maintains a Web site as a service to prospective and current clients. Links provided to third party sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement or verification of the accuracy of content contained in those sites. The material provided in this Web site is for informational purposes only, and nothing contained in this Web site is intended to substitute for assessment or treatment by Dr. McBee or other mental health professional. Although this Web site may be updated frequently, please note that health and research information changes rapidly, and Dr. McBee cannot assume liability for incorrect or out-of-date information that may inadvertently be contained therein. |