Dysfunction: it is a male reproductive disorder. A
man with this disorder cannot attain or maintain penile erection sufficient
to complete intercourse. The patient with primary impotence has never
achieved a sufficient erection; secondary impotence, more common and less
serious, implies that, despite present inability, the patient has succeeded
in completing intercourse in the past. Transient periods of impotence
are not considered dysfunctional and probably occur in half of adult males.
Erectile dysfunction affects all age groups but increases in frequency
with age. This prognosis depends on the severity and duration of
impotence and on the underlying cause.
Cause: May be caused by Psychogenic or Organic
factors. Psychogenic factors may be intrapersonal (such
as: depression, feelings of inadequacy) or interpersonal (such as: lack
of communication) . Organic factors may include chronic disorders, such
as MS or diabetes or drug or alcohol induced dysfunction. Impotence, though
rarely may stem from genital anomalies or CNS defects.
Symptoms:
Secondary erectile dysfunction is classified as follows:
Partial: the patient cannot achieve a full erection.
Intermittent: the patient is sometimes potent with
the same partner.
Selective: the patient is potent only with certain
partners.
Some patients lose erectile function suddenly; others lose it gradually.
If the cause is not organic, erection may still be achieved through masturbation.
Patients with psychogenic impotence may appear anxious, with sweating
and palpitations, or they may become totally disinterested in sexual activity.
Patients with psychogenic or drug induce impotence may suffer extreme
depression, which may cause the impotence or result from it.
Treatment:
Sex therapy may be helpful
Treatment of organic impotence focuses on reversing the cause, if possible.
Certain patients suffering from organic impotence may benefit from surgically
inserted inflatable or non inflatable penile implants.
Patients with low testosterone levels may benefit from testosterone
injections.