Recent studies are showing that over half of men with diabetes have at
least one episode during their lives when they fail to maintain an
erection sufficient for sexual intercourse.  The medical community has
worked to remedy this situation with three phosphodiesterase type 5
inhibitors, also called PDE-5 inhibitors.  The inhibitors go by the
technical names sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra), and
tadalafil (Cialis) and are helping many diabetic men increase
satisfaction in their sex lives.  If a man is diabetic they can help
reduce the risk of developing erectile dysfunction by keeping their
blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible.

The phoshodiesterase type 5 inhibitors may introduce side effects
including headaches, but any adverse reactions are not sufficiently
severe enough to affect the men’s perceived quality of life.  If taken
as prescribed the PDE-5 inhibitors will provide a useful option for
men who suffer from both diabetes and erectile dysfunction.  Diabetes
can cause a variety of other chronic complications, including heart
disease and high blood pressure, but the PDE-5 inhibitors were shown
to not cause as many adverse reactions in this group.  Diabetic men
who took PDE-5 inhibitors showed improvements on all measures of
erectile function with high averages of successful intercourse
attempts.

Erectile dysfunction is defined as the repeated inability to get or
maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.  Several
studies have shown that men with diabetes are three times more likely
to have erectile dysfunction than men who do not have the disease.
PDE-5 inhibitors work by enhancing the effects of nitric oxide when
taken an hour before sexual activity.  Nitric oxide is a chemical that
relaxes smooth muscles in the penis during sexual stimulation and
allows for increased blood flow.  Diabetic men are far more likely to
have to consider treatment for erectile dysfunction as they are more
prone to this complication.  Treating diabetic men for erectile
dysfunction can be a special challenge for physicians and other health
care professionals.

As with any drug therapy, diabetic men should use caution when taking
PDE-5 inhibitors and use only as directed by their physicians.  The
drugs should be taken only on an ‘as needed’ basis and patients should
consult their physicians for possible drug interactions.  There is
also no concrete evidence as to whether these medications are safe for
long term usage by diabetic men.  Other facts to consider regarding
diabetes and erectile dysfunction include the following.  Impotence
can be an early indicator of diabetes, plus men with diabetes tend to
develop impotence 10-15 years earlier than men without diabetes.
Statistics also show that more than 50% of men develop erectile
dysfunction within 10 years of being diagnosed with diabetes.  A
diabetic man is two to fives times more likely to develop erectile
dysfunction than a man who is not a diabetic.  If diabetes is
prevalent in your family it is wise to be tested as it is very
genetic.  Diabetes occurs when the body stops making insulin or does
not make enough of it.  Diabetes is a serious disease which can be
brought on at any age, however most people develop it during middle
age or beyond.

The inability to achieve an erection or the inability to maintain one
is the definition for “erectile dysfunction”. It is not uncommon for
males to experience being “off” once in a while because stress or
lack of sleep can have a detrimental affect on performance but when a
male experiences difficulty with having an erection on a regular basis
it is a concern. Achieving an erection is important for sexual
pleasure and intimacy in a relationship as well as for the purpose of
reproduction. Therefore problems in this area, can lead to
dissatisfaction with sex, problems in a relationship and the inability
for a couple to have a biological child.

There are several known causes for erectile dysfunction. Most causes
have either medical or lifestyle issues that can be resolved so that
sexual function can return. It is important to be able to determine
accurately what exactly the cause for the dysfunction is.

The cause is discovered by way of a medical appointment with a medical
doctor or an urologist. At this appointment a medical history will be
taken that will include not only the symptoms of the problem, but also
what medications including non-prescription drugs have been used.

Most chronic erectile problems are caused by a physical problem. There
are also psychological issues that may be the cause or may contribute
to the erectile dysfunction.

Physical Causes:

In order for successful erection to be achieved and maintained there
is a series of physical factors that must happen. The brain, nerves
and blood vessels must all do their parts at the correct time. The
cause is rarely in the penis, but usually involves one of the other
factors mentioned.

The majority of the time it turns out that the cause is either the
heart or blood vessels. Medications that are being taken for cardiac
or blood pressure can also contribute to the problem. As also can
recreational drugs such as alcohol, and nicotine. These substances can
inhibit the needed flow of blood to the penis. They may also distract
the man from the concentration required to achieve an erection.

Even once a physical cause is pinpointed, continued negative thinking
regarding ability to perform can contribute to the issue. Anger,
nervousness, feelings of depression and being anxious can all
contribute to the pressure to perform which may add to the problem.

Lifestyle changes will certainly be discussed during the medical
appointment.

If you smoke or chew any tobacco products you will be informed about
how this habit can be contributing to the problem and encouraged to
break the habit. Likewise if you drink alcoholic beverages you will
also be advised to stop doing so. Any illegal drug use will also be
discouraged.

You will be asked about your exercise activities and helpful
information will be given if needed. Regular physical exercise can
increase blood circulation and help you to be physically fit and also
to have the physical stamina needed to achieve successful sexual
activity.

Maintaining a healthy diet that includes proper vitamins and minerals
for males will also be discussed because your body needs proper
nutrition in order to function well.

You will undergo a physical examination that will assess whether or
not there are any visible signs of any physical abnormalities that
could cause erectile dysfunction.

Your doctor may also order some laboratory tests to help uncover the
cause. One test may be to determine if you have erections during your
sleep, which will help rule out physical causes for your problem. If
you do have erections while you sleep, then the cause is not a
physical one.

Erectile dysfunction is becoming well known as the stigma of it has
decreased over the past 10 years.  Many medications exist on the
market to help treat and control erectile dysfunction, but what are
the options if a male chooses to not take drugs?  A vacuum
constriction device, also known as a penis pump, has become a
reasonable and low cost treatment option for erectile dysfunction.
These constriction devices may also be useful in cases in which
Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra are ineffective.  Vacuum constriction
devices should not be used by men who may have a significant
congenital bleeding disorder, or a disorder that predisposes them to a
condition called priapism, which is a prolonged and painful erection
which may last over several hours.  Examples of these disorders
include sickle cell anemia, certain forms of leukemia, and other blood
conditions.

A penis pump device consists of an acrylic tube and a pumping
mechanism.  The pumping mechanism may consist of a squeeze ball, a
hand grip, a plunger, or an electric device.  The user pumps air out
of the tube which results in the vacuum increasing blood flow into the
erectile tissue.  A “constriction ring” is then slid over the base of
the penis to help maintain the erection when the tube is removed.
Reviews have been mixed on the penis pump indicating that a vacuum
erection may not always feel like the real thing.  Sources have
revealed that erections produced with a penis pump are sometimes cold
and/or numb and semi-flaccid.  However, many clinical studies have
shown high rates of satisfaction among those who receive the vacuum
treatment for erectile dysfunction.

Vacuum pumps have also been proven to be successful in studies of
penile rehabilitation.  Certain procedures, including but not limited
to, radical prostatectomies, may cause temporary impotence resulting
from nerve damage.  If a male goes too long without a spontaneous
erection, some of the penile tissue can atrophy, which will likely
result in long term dysfunction.  The use of a penis pump in this
instance may help to stave off this damage.  Studies have shown that
50-80% of men are satisfied with the results of a penis pump.  As with
any other method of treatment for erectile dysfunction, the rates of
satisfaction may decrease over time.

Penis pumps are available for purchase over the counter.  Pumps are
purchased not only by men with erectile dysfunction, but also by men
who choose to use them for masturbation purposes or to help increase
their length or girth.  There are many myths indicating that using a
penis pump will increase the size of the penis, but there is no
medical literature which shows that vacuum constriction will produce a
lasting change in penis size.  Overuse of the penis pump could
potentially damage the penis.  Men should only purchase a penis pump
that comes with a “vacuum limiter” which automatically lets air in if
too much negative pressure builds up in the tube.  Excessive pumping
without the vacuum limiter may cause penile bruising or even cause
serious tissue damage

Alcohol is a commonly used drug and is socially accepted in most
societies. Men especially think nothing of having up to 2 drinks per
day on average.

Currently 17.6 million adult Americans are considered to be problem
drinkers. There are many serious consequences associated with alcohol
abuse including alcohol related vehicle crashes, and health related
risks such as an increase risk for liver, esophagus, throat or larynx
cancer from drinking too much alcohol. Heavy drinking can also cause
liver brain damage, cirrhosis, fetal alcohol syndrome and erectile
dysfunction.

Alcoholism is a disease that has symptoms just like any other disease.

The symptoms of alcoholism are:

A strong compulsion to drink

The inability to limit drinking to just one drink

Withdrawal symptoms are experienced if alcohol use is stopped

There is a need to drink greater amounts of alcohol to obtain the same
level of “high”.

Alcoholics have an uncontrollable craving for alcohol. It is this
craving that destroys all sensibility concerning their drinking.

Alcohol has an adverse affect on:

Aging - as people grow older it takes less alcohol to have the same
effect because they become more sensitive to the effect of alcohol.

Certain medical conditions like diabetes, and high blood pressure can
worsen when alcohol is present.

Certain prescription, over the counter and herbal remedies can be
dangerous if taken with alcohol. Aspirin can cause bleeding in the
stomach and intestines, which increases when alcohol is taken.
Antihistamines can make individuals sleepy when taking them and
alcohol will intensify this sleepiness. Acetaminophen which is a
painkiller can increase the risk of liver damage when large doses of
the painkiller are taken with alcohol. Some medications have a high
alcohol content in them including cough syrups and laxatives. Taking
more alcohol on top of these medications can be dangerous.

Studies have shown that alcohol abuse in men can impair testosterone
production and shrink testes. The process of breaking down alcohol in
the body can interfere with normal sperm structure and sperm movement.
Alcoholics have a difficult time attracting sexual partners because of
their problems, personal issues and unattractiveness when drunk so
this can affect their chance for sexual encounters and when they do
have a partner they may be too stressed out from the problems alcohol
causes in their life to be able to function.

Alcohol can impair judgment, coordination and reaction time
all-important when it comes to movement and bodily functions.

All of these affects that alcohol has on the body can impair a man’s
ability to function sexually.

Smoking affects the flow of blood in our veins and arteries. Smoking
can also build up plaque on the inner lining of our arteries. This
obstructs the flow of blood needed for erection.

A study regarding smoking and erectile dysfunction, reported by the
American Heart Association’s annual Conference on Cardiovascular
Disease and Epidemiology and Prevention, in 2003 reported that men who
went through 20 or more cigarettes a day had 60% higher risk for ED
compared to non-smoking men. Men who are former smokers have a 30%
risk for ED as compared to nonsmokers.