Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction ( ED ) may refer to difficulty in achieving an erection, difficulty in sustaining or maintaining an erection or both. In milder forms, it may also present as unsatisfactory hardness of the penis during erection.

Problems with erection can happen occasionally in otherwise healthy and young men. Excessive alcohol, fatigue and psychological factors such as stress or recent loss of a loved one are major causes. Infrequent occurrences may not require any treatment other than reassurance.

However, if this happens 50% of the time or more, there may be a problem which requires treatment. Risk factors include conditions like diabetes or peripheral neuropathies as well as trauma and injury to the spine or spinal nerves. Smokers and obese men are also more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction.

The IIEF-5 ( International Index of Erectile Function ) questionaire is a useful screening tool to determine if you may have ED. Please give your responses based on your experience in the past 6 months.

1	How do you rate your confidence that you could get and keep an erection?	Very low	Low	Moderate	High	Very high
1	Score	1	2	3	4	5
2	When you had erections with sexual stimulation, how often were your erections hard enough for penetration?	Almost never/ Never	Seldom ( much less than half the time )	Sometimes ( about half the time )	Most times ( much more than half the time )	Almost always / Always
2	Score	1	2	3	4	5
3	During sexual intercourse, how often were you able to maintain your erection after you had penetrated (entered) your partner?	Almost never/ Never	Seldom ( much less than half the time )	Sometimes ( about half the time )	Most times ( much more than half the time )	Almost always / Always
3	Score	1	2	3	4	5
4	During sexual intercourse, how difficult was it to maintain your erection to completion of intercourse?	Extremely difficult	Very difficult	Difficult	Slightly difficult	Not difficult
4	Score	1	2	3	4	5
5	When you attempted sexual intercourse, how often was it satisfactory for you?	Almost never/ Never	Seldom ( much less than half the time )	Sometimes ( about half the time )	Most times ( much more than half the time )	Almost always / Always
5	Score	1	2	3	4	5
	Total Score

A score between 17 to 21 may indicate mild ED.
A score between 12 to 16 may indicate mild to moderate ED.
A score between 8 to 11 may indicate moderate ED.

Patients who score 7 or less are likely to have severe ED.

There are many treatment options, including medications like Viagra, Levitra or Cialis, testosterone replacement therapies, psychotherapy and even plant-based treatments for patients who are averse to pharmaceuticals. If you suspect that you or your partner may have erectile dysfunction, make an appointment with us now at 9662 5512.