Primary and Secondary Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, affects as many as 30 million men in the US.It is characterized by the difficulty of getting and keeping an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.

There are two types of ED: Primary and Secondary.

Primary ED is when a man has never been able to attain or sustain an erection, while secondary ED is acquired later in life by a man who previously was able to attain erections.

Psychological Factors: Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

Psychogenic impotence is a type of erectile dysfunction caused by psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, guilt, depression, or conflict around various sexual issues. This type of ED accounts for up to 20 million men in the US. Erectile dysfunction can be an embarrassing issue to discuss, but understanding the root causes and addressing them is crucial for successful treatment.

Physical Factors: Diabetes, Kidney Disease, and Blood Vessel Diseases

Organic impotence, the more common of the two categories of erectile dysfunction, is caused by physical problems. In some cases, physical factors like diabetes, kidney disease, and blood vessel diseases are the culprits behind ED. About 35% to 75% of men with diabetes will experience ED at some point in their lives. Erectile dysfunction can also occur at any age but is more common in men older than 75 years.

In addition to these primary causes, there are other types of male sexual dysfunction that can affect a man's sexual performance, such as premature ejaculation (reaching orgasm too quickly), delayed or inhibited ejaculation (reaching orgasm too slowly or not at all). By understanding the different types of erectile dysfunction and their causes, men can seek appropriate treatment to improve their sexual health and well-being.