If your erection just isn’t what it once was – or your sex drive isn’t either – you might be experiencing signs of impotence, commonly referred to as erectile dysfunction. While the terms are often used interchangeably, the conditions are not exactly alike. While erectile dysfunction means that you are not able to get an erection or maintain it during sex, the term impotence also pertains to those men who have also lost their interest in sex for whatever reason.
A common problem that affects a large amount of men, your chances of impotence get higher as you get older. You may not find your partner as desirable as you once did, or maybe you still do but can’t seem to express it the way you used to. The very definition describes impotence or erectile dysfunction as the inability to achieve an erection or ejaculate – with or without intercourse. You can also be considered impotent if you erections are still brief and you cannot sustain them.
This is not to say that whenever you cannot achieve an erection that you have a serious erectile dysfunction issue. Many men suffer bouts where they cannot get an erection, be it from other medical issues or even just anxiety. There are actually many causes that can be linked to erectile dysfunction, such as heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, substance abuse, relationship problems, etc.
You should seriously seek medical attention if you notice that this problem is coming up more often and it is affecting your relationship and your ability to become intimate with your partner. The condition itself is treatable and incredibly common, yet many men avoid seeking treatment for fear of embarrassment or pride.
Be honest with your physician and up-front about your symptoms. Some symptoms like pain during an erection could actually be a sign of Peyronie’s disease – another condition entirely. If your symptoms are consistent with impotence or erectile dysfunction, your doctor might suggest a trial run of Viagra or another medication that might be injected into your penis.
Erectile dysfunction doesn’t have to be permanent and affect your sex life forever. Know that you have plenty of options, and take a stand against impotence. Speak to Dr. Avila or the experts at Ironwood Urology for help. Call us today at (480) 961-2323 to schedule your consultation or set up an appointment online.
