Erectile Dysfunction Causes and Treatment

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the name given to a physical condition in which an adult male is not able to produce an erection, or he is able to achieve it, but not to sustain it to fully engage in sexual intercourse. This condition is also known as impotence. The cause of ED can be psychological, such as stress, performance anxiety, and mental disorders like clinical depression, schizophrenia, substance abuse, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, personality disorders or traits. In these cases erectile dysfunctions can receive psychological therapy in order to sort out these issues; couples therapy may also be recommended in some instances.

Erectile dysfunction can be caused by physical reasons too, including conditions like spinal cord and brain injuries, nerve disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and diabetes; as well as lifestyle choices such as alcohol drinking and tobacco smoking. Many of these factors lead to a narrowing of the blood vessels that results in insufficient blood reaching the penis. This circulation shortage keeps the penis from getting enough blood to become rigid during sexual activity. For this, several drugs have been developed starting with Viagra (Sildenafil) in 1998, which was followed by Cialis (Tadalafil) and Levitra (Vardenafil), and string of generic versions of each one.

These medications and their generic spin-off's have become widely available on the internet, and while this can very convenient it is better to always be on the safe side. Thus, if you are going to use the services of online drugstore, be sure to read as many pharmacy reviews as you can, so as to make the best possible choice. Still, the smartest thing to do to deal with ED, regardless of the cause, is to see a doctor to get a proper diagnose and correct prescription.