| Sexual functioning can be adversely influenced by many factors. Both psychological and physical factors cause erectile dysfunction. It is supposed that in 75% of cases there is a physical factor involved.
Psychological factors that contribute to or cause erectile dysfunction are stress and anxiety, conflicts and dissatisfaction with a sexual partner, depression. Males with erection problems often experience the fear of poor sexual performance. Men who have experienced ED in the past are worried about their sexual performance. This distracts from getting sexually aroused, thereby causing erection problems.
Among physical factors causing erection problems include diabetes, insufficient blood flow to the penis, penile nerve damage, endocrine imbalances, alcohol and drug abuse, such as heavy smoking, high cholesterol level and blood vessel disorders.
However, whatever the causes are, males who have impotence are commonly tense and feel guilty and powerless.
The U.S. FDA has sanctioned only three oral drugs to treat ED: Cialis, Levitra, and Viagra. All work by escalating the blood flow to the penis, so that when a male is sexually stimulated, he can get an erection.
The drugs are effective and work by a similar mechanism to bring on an erection. There are insignificant differences in how long and how promptly the drug works. Levitra works a bit longer than Viagra. They both take effect in about 30 minutes. Viagra works effectively for about 4 hours, while Levitra for 5 hours. Cialis works a little quicker (within about 15 minutes), and the effects last much longer - up to 36 hours in some cases.
Although each drug has proven efficacious, none is cure-all. And they can result in health problems when interact with other drugs. Note that drug-to-drug interactions with nitrates or nitroglycerin heart medicines can lead to a dangerous decrease in blood pressure, which can be lethal. More general side effects, such as headaches and - in case of Viagra - visual changes can be observed.
Alongside drugs, there are other methods of treatments, such as mechanical therapies and surgery for severe cases of erectile dysfunction. The kind of treatment, thus, depends on the severity of the disorder. |
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