Erectile Dysfunction

What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (or impotence) is when you cannot obtain or keep an erection that allows you to have sexual intercourse.

Erectile dysfunction is very common, and many Australian men will experience it at some time in their lives. It is more common as you get older. It is estimated that one in five men over the age of 40 has erection problems.

What causes erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction can have many causes, both physical and psychological. It can be a symptom of other diseases and conditions. When it occurs, there are often multiple contributing issues.

Causes include:

• General ageing.
• Diabetes.
• Problems with blood vessel function, including cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking and sleep apnoea.
• Conditions that affect nerve function, including back injuries, pelvic surgery, dementia, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.
• Psychosocial problems, such as stress, mental health issues, relationship issues and performance anxiety.
• Urological conditions, including Peyronie’s disease and prostate problems.
• Hormonal conditions including hypogonadism, thyroid dysfunction and excessive cortisol.
• Medications and other drugs (especially alcohol).

What treatments are available?

The first step is to treat any underlying health conditions that may be causing or contributing to your erectile dysfunction. You may need treatment for both the physical and psychological causes.

Erectile dysfunction can’t always be cured. However, it can be managed. There are many treatment options available including:

Non-invasive treatments

• Oral medications including Viagra, Cialis and Levitra.
• Counselling and psychotherapy.
• External devices such as vacuum penile pumps. 

Minimally invasive treatments

• Injectable medications – these help achieve an erection. However, you will need to be shown how to inject the medication safely.

Surgery

Surgery is an option for men that find non-surgical treatments either don’t work or aren’t tolerated. The most common surgical option is an inflatable penile prosthesis. This device is surgically implanted into the penis (with a small pump in the scrotum) and can be pumped up to achieve an erection.