Sexuality and Sexual Health

Erectile Dysfunction

Normally an erection occurs when a man becomes sexually aroused. Messages are sent from the brain via the nervous system to the genitals and the penis
fills with blood and becomes erect.

What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is an inability to either get or sustain an erection.

How Common is ED?

• Half of all men aged 40-70 experience some degree of ED

Only 10% of men seek help from their GP, possibly because they are embarrassed or are unaware that ED can be treated.

What Causes ED?

Medical conditions account for 80% of cases of ED, while psychological causes are responsible for the remaining 20%. Medical causes include

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• High cholesterol
• Smoking and peripheral vascular disease
• Prostate surgery
• Conditions affecting the nervous system such as spinal cord injury

• Medications such as blood pressure tablets, anti-depressants and anti-ulcer treatments.
  

Psychological causes include

• Depression
• Stress
• Anxiety and relationship problems
  
  

What Happens If I Go to the Doctor?

It's simple. The doctor will take a full medical history and will conduct a general (and painless!) examination of your testicles, penis and prostate gland. Other tests may also be required. Be sure to take a list of the medications and dosages that you are taking.

How Is ED Treated?

Treatment options include

• Counselling
• Oral medications (eg tablets)
• Injections into the penis
• Vacuum devices
• Implants
  
  What About Viagra?
  
  Viagra is the commonly known drug to take for ED but there are several options now on the market. Talk to your doctor about the options available if your doctor thinks that you should be taking medication for ED. Viagra (or sildenafil) works by keeping the blood vessels of the penis relaxed allowing blood to flow into the penis and for erection to occur.
  
  How Does Viagra Work?
  
• It will only work if the man is aroused
• It works in 60% to 70% of cases of ED due to physical causes and in 90% of cases where ED is caused by psychological problems.
  
  How and When Do I Take It?
  

• Viagra is taken half an hour before sexual activity is desired
• Viagra is also taken on an empty stomach as a fatty meal can reduce
  the effect of Viagra
• As you become sexually aroused an erection will occur
• After climax and ejaculation the penis will become soft and flaccid
• As the highest concentration of the drug remai ns in your system for up to 4 hours , it may be possible to have another erection in that
  time if aroused
• Alcohol should be avoided as it can depress sexual performance
• Anxiety and stress can switch off the arousal process
• Although most men can get an erection the first or second time they take Viagra, in some men it may not work. Get advice from your doctor if this happens.
  
  Side Effects
  
  If they occur are most likely to be minor and temporary and may include
• Headache
• Flushing
• Indigestion
• Stuffy nose
• A blue tint to the vision.
  
  Who Must Not Use Viagra?
  
• Men who use nitrate injections, tablets, sprays or patches (prescribed medication for angina and the lowering of blood pressure, and amyl nitrite (which can be used to heighten sexual pleasure)
• Men who are not fit enough to have sex, for example, because of a heart condition.
  If in doubt see your doctor or Family Planning Victoria.