SEXUAL PROBLEMS: ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
Question: My trouble is not getting an erection, but maintaining one during intercourse. Is this a symptom of erectile dysfunction?
Answer: Yes. In fact, the medical definition of erectile dysfunction is failure to maintain an erection sufficient for intercourse. This problem--which can be a considerable source of worry and embarrassment--is very common. According to one study, 40% of men have sexual problems after age 40, and an additional 10 % say they have decreased interest or sexual performance with each passing decade.
A variety of things can cause erectile dysfunction, including poor circulation, neurological problems, hormone deficiencies, and psychological factors. Psychological factors often are difficult to isolate because depression and anxiety can both cause and result from sexual difficulties. Prescription drugs, especially those used to treat high blood pressure, depression, and ulcers, are a major cause of erectile dysfunction. Tobacco and alcohol can also have a negative effect on a man's sexual performance.
In your case, the ability to get an erection is good news since it implies that your plumbing and electrical system are at least partly in order. To understand the cause of the problem and identify an appropriate treatment, talk to your internist or a urologist who specializes in male sexual disorders.
