June is Men's Health Month, and a good time to examine the common male condition known as erectile dysfunction, or ED. According to the American Urological Association, more than 25 million men in the U.S. suffer from some sort of ED, but because the level of distress is so variable with this condition, only 5 percent of them have sought treatment.
Symptoms and Causes
Commonly called male impotence, ED is the inability to achieve or maintain penile erections sufficient for intercourse. ED often has a psychological component, and counseling with a psychotherapist or sex therapist often resolves the problem. ED can also be a symptom of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, both of which can impair blood supply to the penis. In addition, many medications, including those prescribed for high blood pressure and mental health conditions, can interfere with sexual functioning. Tobacco, cocaine, stimulants and alcohol may also play a role.
Suggested Lifestyle Changes