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Impotence (Erectile dysfunction)

Description

An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of erectile dysfunction.


Highlights

Drug Warning

In 2005, the FDA added warnings of partial vision loss to the labels of sidenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra). It is not certain if the risk for vision loss (a condition called non-arteric anterior ischemic optic neuropathy or NAION) is related to the medications or the vascular disease conditions that cause erectile dysfunction (ED). Patients who use these drugs and experience vision loss should immediately stop the medication and contact their doctor.

Risk Factors

Older age is the main risk factor for ED. Nearly 80% of men ages 75 and older experience ED. However, according to a 2006 study, other physical and lifestyle factors greatly increase the risk for ED:

ED and Heart Disease

Recent research strongly suggests that ED may be an important warning sign of heart disease:


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