Erectile Dysfunction And The Elderly Population - 1757 Words

Erectile Dysfunction, according to the American Sexual Health Association, is the inability to maintain an erection that is suitable for intercourse. It is a condition that can affect men of any age. Even though erectile dysfunction can affect men of all ages, it is most prevalent in the elderly population. Erectile dysfunction can be due to many issues such as psychological problems, heart disease, high blood pressure, Diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, trauma from surgery related to prostate cancer and even hormonal problems. Erectile dysfunction does not only involve men, it also involves their partner as well, and can cause the male to withdrawal from any sexual activity due to embarrassment . In regards to erectile dysfunction this paper†¦show more content†¦Such disorders are more common in the elderly, which may partially explain the elevated prevalence of ED in men over 60 years of age .The increasing prevalence of erectile dysfunction can be linked to the incre ase in medical conditions that are highly associated with the elderly population such as Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, prostate cancer, hypertension, diabetes, depression, and even a sedimentary life style. Etiology and Pathophysiology Erectile dysfunction can be a result of various underlying issues. There are four systems that are essential for a normal penile erection; they include psychological, Vascular, neurological and hormonal/endocrine system. Any abnormalities or combinations of abnormalities within those systems can result in erectile dysfunction. Diseases that compromise vascular flow to the corpora cavernosum such as peripheral vascular disease, arteriosclerosis, and or essential hypertension are associated with an increased incidence of erectile dysfunction. Diseases that impair nerve conduction to the brain or conditions that impair peripheral nerve conduction to the penile vasculature such as diabetes mellitus can result in erectile dysfunction. Also diseases that are associated with a decrease secretion of gonadotropin hormone can lead to a decrease in testosterone, which can cause a decrease in libido and erectile dysfunction can occur secondary to the hypogonadism. Smoking also plays a role in the