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Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction affects men of all ages, although it is commonly associated with older men. ED greatly affects men age 70 and over. It is the inability or difficulty in achieving and maintaining an erection. Too many men's self esteem is tied up in how well they perform sexually. Being unable to achieve or maintain an erection can be devastating to a man, for good reason. Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, affects 18 million men in the United States. There are various conditions associated with erectile dysfunction, including age, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and a lack of physical activity. Excessive drinking of alcohol is also associated with erectile dysfunction. While such physical causes exist, there are also psychological factors such as performance anxiety, reactions to stress, and depression. This health problem has been getting lots of attention ever since the drug Viagra hit the market a decade ago.
An erection occurs when blood rushing into the penis is maintained there by collecting in sponge-like pockets in the penis. As those pockets fill with blood, the penis becomes erect and sensitive. In men with erectile dysfunction, these pockets are unable to remain filled with blood, and the result is either no erection or an erection that is not rigid or full (lazy erection).
Men with erectile dysfunction often feel shame at being unable to perform. They also feel shame over letting their partners down, and they may fear...
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