What Questions Should I Ask My Health Care Provider?
International Index or Erectile Function Questionnaire
A short IIEF-5 Questionnaire can assist you in having a discussion with your healthcare provider regarding Erectile dysfunction.
ScoreTotal ScoreOver the past six months:12345How do you rate your confidence that you could get and keep an erection?Very lowLowModerateHighVery highWhen you had erections with sexual stimulation, how often were your erections hard enough for penetration?Almost never or neverMuch less than half the timeAbout half the timeMuch more than half the timeAlmost always or alwaysDuring sexual intercourse, how often were you able to maintain your erection after you had penetrated (entered) your partner?Almost never or neverMuch less than half the timeAbout half the timeMuch more than half the timeAlmost always or alwaysDuring sexual intercourse how difficult was it to maintain your erection to the completion of intercourse?Almost never or neverMuch less than half the timeAbout half the timeMuch more than half the timeAlmost always or alwaysWhen you attempted sexual intercourse how often was it satisfactory for you?Almost never or neverMuch less than half the timeAbout half the timeMuch more than half the timeAlmost always or alwaysThe IIEF-5 score is the sum of questions 1 to 5. The lowest score is 5 the highest score 25Frequently Asked Questions About Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction, or more commonly referred to as ED, is the inability to achieve and maintain an erection suitable for sexual intercourse.
The answer is mixed, as age can play a role in ED especially when a person has other risk factors and health issues. ED doesn’t have to be a part of getting older. While it is true that older men may need more stimulation to achieve an erection, they should still be able to get an erection and enjoy sex.
By leading a healthy lifestyle and managing and reducing your risk factors for heart disease, maintaining a desirable weight, eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking, drinking less or no alcohol, keeping your cholesterol and blood pressure in a healthy range, and increasing physical activity, you will also be reducing your risk factors for ED .
There are many different ways ED can be treated, including: oral medications, , vacuum erection device (VED®), sex therapy, penile injections, and surgery (penile implants). Each type of treatment has its own advantages and disadvantages. Talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Medications such as sildenafil citrate (Viagra®), tadalafil (Cialis®), vardenafil (Levitra®, Staxyn®), or avanafil (Stendra®) are often successful therapy for erectile dysfunction in men, with a minimum of side effects for most men.