Understanding Erectile Dysfunction: A Comprehensive Data Report
Are you persistently facing difficulty maintaining a firm erection?
If yes, it could be Erectile Dysfunction (ED).
Erectile Dysfunction is very common, affecting up to 2 in 3 males over age 45 years.
The prevalence of this condition increases with aging.
It can cause distress if it happens persistently, especially at a younger age.
This report is a detailed examination of this condition, statistically representing symptoms, causes, and treatments.
- According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), approximately 30 million men in the United States suffer from Erectile Dysfunction
- It is estimated that ED affected over 150 million men worldwide in 1995, highlighting its global significance
- According to the WHO, Erectile Dysfunction affects approximately 15% of men each year
- Anxiety and depression are often reported in men with ED, with a study suggesting that up to 80% of men experience some form of psychological distress
- Erectile Dysfunction is one of the most prevalent and poorly treated diseases in sexual dysfunctions in men
- Younger men with ED are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, with studies suggesting a 50-fold higher risk
- ED prevalence varies globally, with studies indicating higher rates in certain regions, such as the United States and eastern and southeastern Asian countries, than in Europe or South America
What is Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile Dysfunction is a medical condition characterized by the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance.
Studies have found that it can have profound effects on a man’s quality of life.
It can also impact the overall well-being of affected individuals and their partners.
Prevalence in coming years
According to the World Health Organisation, in 1995, approximately 150 million men globally experienced Erectile Dysfunction.
This number is expected to surge to 320 million by 2025.
This significant increase underscores the growing prevalence of ED, necessitating attention to the factors contributing to its rise.
Addressing this trend is crucial for healthcare providers and policymakers to develop effective interventions and support for affected individuals worldwide.
Symptoms of ED
The prime symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction include difficulty getting an erection and trouble maintaining it during sexual activity.
It can also result in decreased interest or libido in sexual activities. However, this symptom is not limited to men.
In a study involving 1,580 women and 779 men, researchers focused on 632 couples who were sexually active.
It was observed that female partners of men with ED had lower scores in various aspects of sexual function compared to those with partners without ED.
Moreover, some men with ED may require more physical or visual stimulation to achieve and maintain an erection.
Studies have found that symptoms such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and feelings of inadequacy are common among those with ED.
Reasons for underreporting
In a study of 500 men over the age of 50 with urologic issues, 218 (44%) reported some degree of Erectile Dysfunction.
Among those with ED, reasons for failure to discuss ED with their urologist included the following:
- 74% felt embarrassed
- 12% thought it was a normal part of aging
- 9% didn’t know urologists addressed ED
- 5% didn’t see it as a significant issue
Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
ED can be caused by a combination of physical, psychological, and lifestyle factors. It includes the following:
Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes can cause Erectile Dysfunction by damaging the nerve and blood vessels controlling erections.
In a research study, it was documented that diabetic men had a threefold increased risk of Erectile Dysfunction as compared with nondiabetic men.
Cardiovascular disease
A person with cardiovascular disease often experiences Erectile Dysfunction.
Cardiovascular conditions can disrupt the blood flow to the penis by affecting the heart and blood vessels, causing ED.
According to a research study, one out of every eight men with ED reports previous cardiovascular disease.
Age
The Massachusetts Male Aging Study found that ED becomes more prevalent with age.
By the age of 40, about 40% of men experience some degree of ED, and this percentage increases to nearly 70% by the age of 70.
Additionally, it was found that the prevalence of complete ED increased from 5% at age 40 to 15% at age 70.
Low Testosterone
Testosterone plays a vital role in maintaining normal sexual function.
Insufficient levels of Testosterone may hinder the ability to achieve and maintain an erection, thereby contributing to Erectile Dysfunction.
As per Clevelandclinic, an estimated one in three men with Erectile Dysfunction can also have low Testosterone.
However, according to NCBI, most men experience a lowering of their serum Testosterone levels with age, but these levels usually are not low enough to induce ED.
Thus, more extensive research is needed to prove the relationship between ED and low Testosterone.
Neurological disorders
The interaction between the nervous system and sexual function is intricate.
Disorders affecting the nerves can result in Erectile Dysfunction by disrupting the communication between the brain and reproductive organs.
Two examples of such neurological disorders are Multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.
According to NCBI, the prevalence of neurogenic ED has been suspected to be between 10% and 19% of all causes of ED.
Obesity
Another cause of Erectile Dysfunction is being obese.
Obesity can cause ED through various mechanisms, including:
- Damaging the blood vessels that control erections
- Decreasing Testosterone levels
- Causing a state of generalized inflammation in the body
A research study was conducted on men with ED. The results showed that 79% of men presenting erectile disorders have a BMI of 25 kg/m2 or greater.
BMI in the range of 25-30 kg/m2 is associated with 1-5 times, and in the range of over 30 kg/m2 with 3 times greater risk of sexual dysfunction.
Psychological causes
Psychological factors, such as stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues, can contribute to Erectile Dysfunction.
Performance anxiety and negative self-perception can exacerbate the problem.
According to NCBI, the presence of anxiety disorders in the ED population has been reported to be up to 37%.
Medications
Certain medications can lead to Erectile Dysfunction as one of the side effects.
Examples of medications that can cause Erectile Dysfunction are:
- Antidepressants
- Antihistamines
- Medications for blood pressure, such as diuretics and beta-blockers
According to the Harvard Special Health Report, an estimated 25% of all ED is a side effect of drugs.
Lifestyle factors
Some habits can enhance the risk of ED, such as large amounts of alcohol consumption, illicit drug use, and smoking.
These lifestyle choices can harm the essential nerves and blood vessels for a healthy erectile function.
Additionally, a sedentary lifestyle, including a lack of exercise and a poor diet, can cause Erectile Dysfunction.
A study was conducted to assess the association between physical activity and erectile function in young, healthy men.
This study examined 78 men between 18 and 40 years old.
Among them, 27 patients (34.6%) were not physically active (sedentary), burning less than 1,400 calories of exercise per week.
The remaining 51 patients (65.4%) were active, burning more than 1,400 calories of exercise weekly.
The study found that those with a sedentary lifestyle were more likely to experience issues in erectile function, orgasm function, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction compared to the active group.
The total score trended towards more dysfunction in the sedentary group, and sexual desire scores were similar in both groups.
Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction
Here are some treatment options for Erectile Dysfunction:
PDE-5 inhibitor medicines
For numerous men experiencing Erectile Dysfunction, PDE-5 inhibitors serve as a widely chosen and efficient initial treatment.
These drugs function by improving blood circulation to the penis, aiding the natural mechanism of attaining an erection.
Common PDE-5 inhibitor medicines for Erectile Dysfunction include the following:
- Sildenafil
- Tadalafil
- Vardenafil
- Avanafil
According to the NCBI report, the drugs mentioned above can show their peak effectiveness after 1-2 hours of consumption.
Vacuum Erection Devices (VEDs)
A VED is a medical device used to treat Erectile Dysfunction in men.
It’s a safe way to achieve and maintain an erection for sexual activity without the need for surgery or medication.
The process of using VED involves putting the tube over the penis.
Using the pump creates a vacuum, which brings blood to the penis, leading it to become erect.
To help maintain the erection, a band is positioned at the base of the penis.
Penile injections
Penile injection involves injecting the drug directly into the penis to achieve an erection.
It is also known as Intracavernosal Injection (ICI) therapy.
An article by Sexual Medicine Reviews stated that patients using ICI reported high efficacy and satisfaction rates compared to other treatment options despite ICI’s designation as a second-line therapy since the introduction of oral Phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors.
Penile implants
Penile implants are special devices that can help with Erectile Dysfunction.
These devices are placed on both sides of the penis.
There are two types: inflatable and malleable.
Inflatable rods let you control when you have an erection, while malleable ones keep your penis firm but bendable.
A British study was conducted on 425 men who used penile implants.
89% of the men could have sexual intercourse, and 81% reported that they were satisfied with the implant results.