Erectile dysfunction could indicate a more serious medical condition

So, should they be unable to achieve an erection, or to sustain it for penetration sex, their ego inevitably takes a tumble – especially if the inability to perform occurs on a regular basis.

Yet the problem – known as erectile dysfunction (“ED”) – is not a personal indictment. To the contrary, ED is common and is believed to affect more than 150 million men worldwide.1 Caused by a change in the chemical reactions responsible for erections, such that the blood vessels in the penis do not become engorged with blood, ED is not an indicator of infertility or a lack of virility, neither does it mean the inability to ejaculate.

Although the probability of developing ED increases with age, the condition occurs widely in younger men and is most often associated with medical conditions, such as pelvic fracture, spinal injury, prostate surgery; or the side-effects of prescription medication – specifically drugs for high blood pressure, heart failure, depression, insomnia and anxiety. Even the use of recreational drugs such as tobacco, cocaine, ecstasy and marijuana, or the excess intake of alcohol, can precipitate ED, either acutely or as a chronic condition. Lack of physical endurance after a heart attack or surgery, or as a result of diseases affecting the lungs, anemia, systemic diseases, liver and kidney disease can also affect erectile function negatively.

In many cases, ED is the result of psychological factors such as performance anxiety, stress or fatigue, depression, marital disharmony, negative thoughts or guilty feelings about sex and sexual performance – all of which can result in a loss of libido or affect the chemicals which cause erections, either in the short- or long-term. Quite often, more than one factor is involved, especially as an erection problem inevitably has a psychological effect, even if the main cause is a medical or physical condition.

More importantly, ED often co-exists with other conditions including heart disease, hypertension and diabetes and may even be an indicator of these conditions. For example, the presence of vascular problems such as hardening and thickening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), high blood pressure (hypertension), blockage of an artery (thrombosis), high blood cholesterol levels and blood vessel damage as a result of smoking and diabetes may affect the requisite flow of blood to the penis, such that an erection is not achieved or is not sustainable. Similarly, instances of stroke, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and injuries or tumours to the brain or spinal cord could affect the ability of the nerves to transmit messages between the brain and the penis, such that the chemical reaction required to induce an erection does not occur. Any inflammatory conditions of the urethra, prostate, bladder and testes could also result in ED by causing swelling, blockages and pain that, collectively, affect erectile function.

Given the risks associated with these more serious health problems, it is clearly important that anyone suffering from ED seek medical advice and assistance as soon as possible. This will facilitate early diagnosis, prompt treatment and appropriate management of any underlying condition, thus ensuring the best possible outcome.

Nirvana Raghubir, Medical Director at Pfizer South Africa, says, “The use of prescription medicines to improve the patient's erectile function safely and effectively can then be taken with confidence, just as they can in patients with ED who receive an “all clear” health report.”

Of course, if the erection problem is caused by excessive drinking, substance abuse, stress or fatigue, then a change in lifestyle will probably do the trick, without needing to resort to prescription medications.

So, if your sexual experience is currently unsatisfactory due to ED, speak to your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible. Not only could you benefit from far more than a strong and sustained erection, but also your overall health – both physical and emotional – will improve.

For more information, visit www.confidentmen.co.za.

Issued by Magna Carta Public Relations
On behalf of Pfizer Pharmaceuticals SA

For more information please contact:

Solly Mabotha
Pfizer SA
Tel: 011 320 6113
Email: Solly.mabotha@pfizer.com