• Erectile dysfunction ('impotence') is the inability to get or maintain an erection that is sufficient to ensure satisfactory sex for both partners.
• Erectile dysfunction can have a physical or psychological cause, but in the majority of cases it is primarily physical.
• Most men experience occasional problems with obtaining an adequate erection, and this should not be a cause for concern.
• Erectile dysfunction can be treated at any age.
• Treatment options include psychotherapy, drug therapy, vacuum pumps and surgery.

Advertisement

Erectile dysfunction (previously called impotence) is the inability to get or maintain an erection that is sufficient to ensure satisfactory sex for both partners. This problem can cause significant distress for couples. Fortunately more and more men of all ages are seeking help, and treatment has advanced rapidly. The enormous demand for anti-impotence drugs such as Levitra, suggests that erection problems may be more common than was previously thought.

Erectile dysfunction should be distinguished from other male sexual functioning difficulties sometimes erroneously referred to as impotence, such as premature ejaculation, male orgasmic disorder (delay or absence of orgasm) and hypoactive sexual desire disorder (lack of or diminished sexual interest or desire). Men with erectile dysfunction may or may not suffer from these other problems.

Erectile dysfunction can occur at any age. Occasional episodes are considered normal.

How common is ED?
Current statistics are not available for South Africa, but in America about 10% of men are believed to be affected. Incidence rises with age: about five percent of men at the age of 40 and between 15 and 25% of men at the age of 65 suffer from erectile dysfunction and the percentage grows to 70% as men reach 80 years of age. As men age, they typically report some loss of sexual desire as well, although neither loss of desire nor erectile dysfunction is an unavoidable feature of ageing.

Many erection problems can be prevented or even reversed by a more relaxed approach to sex and by rediscovering sensuality. Sexual intimacy is a form of communication. If you and your partner talk about your lovemaking, it will help reduce your stress and anxiety, so that your sexual activity becomes more relaxed. Many people avoid talking about problems in their sexual relationship. It may gradually become more difficult to get and maintain an erection as you get older. However, foreplay and the right environment can increase your ability to have an erection, regardless of your age.

Reviewed by Dr Werner Botha Specialist Urologist, Cape Town Medi-clinic.

Rate this article Poor 1 2 3 4 5 Excellent

JOBS

Operations Manager R20,000-25,000 Per Month Cost To Company Incl Benefits Gauteng - East Rand Financial Accountant: CA(SA) R400,000-500,000 Per Annum Cost To Company Gauteng - Johannesburg Key Account Manager Gauteng Java Developer-CT Western Cape - Cape Town Java Developer-Jozi Gauteng Account Manager R460,000-540,000 Per Annum Cost To Company Plus Benefits Gauteng Account Manager R460,000-540,000 Per Annum Market Related Plus Benefits South Africa Case Manager R210,000-220,000 Per Annum Negotiable Gauteng - Pretoria Find more jobs Register your CV Post a job