Erectile Dysfunction: Definition

The condition of erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, has become of increasing concern in the last thirty years. Erectile dysfunction is noted with several signs and symptoms, the main problem being the inability of a man to become erect or maintain an erection. There are several risk factors that enhance the possibility of the development of this condition, but there currently exist no known or published research facts that detail the exact manner in which erectile dysfunction develops.

Erectile Dysfunction: Prevalence

Research estimates that by the age of 40, approximately 5% of men will demonstrate signs and symptoms of erectile dysfunction . Research also estimates 15-25% of men between the ages of 40-65 have the condition of erectile dysfunction. Age is currently the variable that has the strongest correlation with the development of erectile dysfunction.

The prevalence of erectile dysfunction also has strong associations with several other conditions including: diabetes, hypertension, and specific medications. It is important to note that research on erectile dysfunction is limited by several factors as not all men report the condition of erectile dysfunction, hence it may be more or less prevalent based on non-reported statistical evidence.

Erectile Dysfunction: Relative Penis Size

The male human has a large relative penis and testicle size relative to his body size in comparison with the vast majority of other mammals. This biological fact is not surprising. The evolution of an upright stance created the unconcealed display of the penis. It also made possible the face-to-face personal intercourse.

Unlike many other mammals, the male glans contains no means of attachment (many mammals have projections located on the glans for attachment for increased fertilization purposes) or bones (many mammal penises contain an inner bone restricting movement), making the process of intercourse more pleasurable for their female counterparts. These enhancements are also cause for the development of erectile dysfunction.

Erectile Dysfunction: The Beginnings

The true beginnings of erectile dysfunction are unknown, but its existence is assumed to date with the beginnings of man. The first noted cases of erectile dysfunction date to medieval times. Muslim physicians developed several therapies and prescribed several oral medications for treatment of the condition. It is also assumed that the original development of aphrodeisiacs was utilized mainly for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, however there is limited evidence to support this.

Erectile Dysfunction: The Beginnings in the United States

The first known medications for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in the United States began in the 1920’s by Dr. John R. Brinkley. Dr. Brinkley inserted goat glands for male enhancement and recommended the use of mercurochrome injections. This was short lived, as it did not take long for the States to revoke his medical license. The first penile implants were available and inserted in the 1970’s.

The currently used modern medications for the treatment of erectile dysfunctions began development in the mid 1980’s. Dr. Brindley utilized a non-specific vasodilator injection causing smooth muscle relaxation. This discovery has been the basis for all proceeding medication developments.

Learn more about Erectile Dysfunction here.

Sources:
http://books.google.com/books?id=lBiGCGYYPbsC&pg=PA44&dq=normal+penis+size&lr=&sig=V78L6QmQl_pSqP55Oqqwx6ljeKs#PPA44,M1
http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/patientcare/healthcare_services/mens_health/erectile_dysfunction_impotence/

Written by Lillian Taylor for MicroNutra Health™

This entry was posted on Friday, February 15th, 2008 at 4:17 am and is filed under Erectile Dysfunction. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.