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Impotence is usually referred to as erectile dysfunction (ED), which is the inability to achieve and sustain an erection of the penis that is suitable to finish the act of sexual intercourse.
This problem is not considered normal for men of any age, and it is different from other sexual problems, like a lack of sex drive or problems with achieving an orgasm or ejaculating. According to national surveys conducted in the U.S., five percent of men over 40 and between 15 and 25 percent of those over 65 experience ED on a long-term basis. However, most men experience the failure to maintain an erection at some point in their lives, but there are many different things that can lead to these one-time occurrences. Sometimes a man who has too much alcohol to drink or is very tired might have problems achieving an erection.
Treatment is rarely needed for men who cannot achieve an erection less than 20 percent of the time. It the man cannot get erect more than half the time, then this indicates a problem that will need treatment. Many different issues can cause ED. Sometimes it is the nerves in the penis that are not functioning properly. Sometimes the directions from the brain are not getting down to the penis because of this. Other times blood flow is to blame. Also psychological factors such as stress, depression and performance anxiety can make a man be unable to perform sexually.
An injury to the penis could also prevent it from becoming full erect. Unless the man cannot get an erection because he is constantly abusing alcohol, usually all other reasons cannot be treated as easily. There are three oral drugs that treat ED, Cialis, Levitra and Viagra. All of them increase blood flow to the penis.
The drugs are the same for the most part, but they tend to perform differently. Levitra lasts a little longer than Viagra and both take 30 minutes to being working, while Cialis works in 15 minutes. The first two last about four to five hours, but Cialis can work for up to 36 hours in some cases.
If a person is experiencing any of the following symptoms after taking one of these drugs, he should seek medical assistance. These are rashes, painful erections, prolonged erections (longer than four hours), fainting, chest pain, and itching and burning while urinating.
A rare vision problem is reported in some men. The vision problem, NAION, causes a sudden loss of eyesight, and people who are over 50, smoke, have heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or other eye problems are at risk for developing the condition the most.
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