Erectile dysfunction: more common than thought
Erectile dysfunction, medically referred to as erectile dysfunction (ED), are among the most common sexual dysfunction in men. According to estimates, between 3 and 5 million men are affected in Germany. The frequency increases with age: While about 10 percent of men are affected between 40 and 49 years, the proportion of men over 70 years is around 50 percent.
Despite these high figures, the subject is still shameful. Many affected people wait years before they seek professional help. In most cases, erection disorder is easily treatable. Modern medicines achieve good results at 70 to 90 percent of the affected.
An erectile dysfunction in need of treatment is not mentioned until it is regularly unable to obtain or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse for at least six months. Occasionary erection problems are completely normal and no reason for concern.
Causes of erectile dysfunction
The causes for erectile dysfunction are diverse. In principle, a distinction is made between physical and psychological factors, with a combination of both.
Physical causes (about 70% of cases):
- vascular diseases: Arteriosclerosis is the most common cause. Lowered blood vessels prevent sufficient blood flow into the swelling bodies. Risk factors are high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, increased blood fats and smoking.
- Hormonal disorders: A testosterone deficiency can affect libido and erection capability. From the age of 40, the testosterone level in men naturally decreases slowly.
- Neurological diseases: Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson or disc incidents can interfere with the nerve signals necessary for erection.
- Drug interactions: Certain blood pressure sinks, antidepressants, beta blockers and dewatering agents can impair the erection capability.
Psychic causes (especially in younger men):
- Power pressure and failure
- Stress and overload in the profession or private life
- Relationship conflicts and communication problems
- Depression and anxiety disorders
Important: erection disorder can also be an early warning sign for cardiovascular diseases. The fine vessels in the penis are often affected before the larger heart vessels. A medical examination is therefore also useful from a cardiovascular view.
