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Impotence and Erectile Dysfunction

Erection problems are common. In fact, experts have estimated that erectile dysfunction affects 33% of all British Men.

Thanks to the advent of new drugs such as Viagra, Cialis, Cialis Once a day, Levitra and Levitra Orodispersible, erectile dysfunction is treatable in all age groups and thanks to online prescription services, you don't even have to leave your home to obtain the treatment you need.

For those that are uncertain which treatment is best they can order a trial pack consisting of 3 erectile dysfunction treatments.

Click on any of the following links for further information:

• What is impotence?
• What causes it?
• Physical causes
• Psychological causes
• Treatments available

Impotence Treatments

What is impotence?

Impotence or erectile dysfunction is defined as the inability to achieve or sustain an erection that is hard enough or lasts long enough to complete sexual intercourse or another chosen sexual activity.

What causes it?

The majority of men with ED exhibit a combination of psychological and physical causes.

Every man will experience an occasional failure to maintain an erection. This can generally be put down to stress, exhaustion, anxiety or substance abuse. Though there is nothing to worry about, an occasional failure can led to further anxiety about achieving an erection the next time. In this case, the problem is purely psychological.

However, most cases of erectile dysfunction are a result of certain health conditions, medicines, or habits that interfere with blood flow around the body and penis. For this reason it is very important that those experiencing ED have a full health check prior to ordering prescription treatments online. ED can, in some cases, be a symptom of another problem which drugs like Viagra will not cure but will serve only to hide the symptoms.

Erectile dysfunction is sometimes caused by a condition known as Peyronie's Disease. To find out more visit Erectile Dysfunction Treatments and Peyronie's Disease.

Physical causes

Erectile function is a very good indicator of general health. ED is generally a red flag that something is not right with the body's system and it needs to be checked out as soon as possible. Some of the main causes of erectile dysfunction include

•  Diabetes

•  Hardening of the arteries, which can lead to high blood pressure, angina or poor circulation

•  Kidney disorders

•  Multiple sclerosis or other neurological diseases

•  High cholesterol

•  Side effects of prescribed drugs

•  Heavy smoking

•  Alcoholism and drug abuse

•  Pelvic surgery

•  Prostate cancer

Psychological causes

While erectile dysfunction due to physical factors has a gradual onset, psychological impotence can be more sudden. A man who has normal erectile responses during masturbation, or who regularly awakens with an erection, is likely to have a psychological basis for impotence. Psychological causes can include:

•  Stress and anxiety from work or home

•  Fatigue

•  Problems within your relationship

•  Low self esteem

•  Depression

•  Sexual boredom

•  Performance anxiety

Treatments available

Over the past few years there have been major advances in the treatment of impotence and the majority of sufferers can now be treated effectively. A wide variety of options exist for treating ED, including everything from medication (such as Viagra, Levitra, Cialis Once a day and Cialis) and simple mechanical devices to surgery and psychological counseling. Some of the treatments available include

• Oral Prescription treatments. There are three main brands available, namely Viagra, Levitra, Cialis Once a day and Cialis. These treatments have the same active ingredient but range in duration, potency and side-effects. The treatments can remain effective for between two and thirty six hours depending on which treatment you take. See our treatments guide for advice on which one to choose

  •  Psychosexual therapy. When relationship problems are considered to be the cause of your impotence, a course of sex therapy or couples therapy might be recommended.

  •  Vacuum pumps. A device involving a plastic cylinder and pump is used to make blood rush to your penis, enlarging it in a similar way to an erection. When you remove the pump, the erection is sustained by slipping a tension ring around the base of the penis.

  •  Injections. A drug is directly injected into the shaft of the penis when you want an erection. An erection usually follows within 15 minutes.

  •  Transurethral therapy. The drug (in pellet form) is absorbed through the urethra directly into the erectile tissue of the penis, giving an erection within five to ten minutes.

  •  Hormone treatment. Corrects ED caused by a reduced level of the male sex hormone testosterone

  •  Penile prosthesis. There are two types of implant. The semi-rigid type keeps the penis rigid all the time but lets you bend it downwards when you're not having sex. The hydraulic type is more sophisticated and causes the penis to stiffen when a pump (implanted in the scrotum) is activated.

  •  Surgical treatment. A few cases of impotence are caused by abnormalities in blood flow in and out of the penis and can be treated with surgery.