5 Min
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Objectives
After studying this module, assistants will:
- Understand the common causes of erectile dysfunction
- Know when to advise lifestyle changes or OTC treatment
- Be aware of red flags.
Most men experience erectile dysfunction (ED) – the inability to get or maintain an erect penis for sexual intercourse – at some time in their life, and it’s usually nothing to worry about.
However, some men have persistent or recurring problems with sexual function, for which they may require lifestyle advice and/or medical treatment.
Also known as impotence, ED can occur occasionally or frequently and can vary in severity from mild (a soft erection) to severe (no erection at all).
Age is an important factor, although not a named cause of ED. It’s important for men to be aware that some loss of libido and erectile hardness is normal as they get older.
Fast facts
- ED is thought to affect half of all men between the ages of 40 and 70 to some degree during their lifetime
- An estimated 10 to 20 per cent of ED symptoms are caused by psychological factors
- ED is associated with obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes
- ED can be an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease because reduced blood flow may affect the penis before symptoms appear elsewhere in the body
- Weight loss and regular exercise may significantly reduce the risk of ED and improve symptoms.