What Is ED?

什么是ED？

Erectile dysfunction means difficulty getting or maintaining an erection firm enough for satisfying sexual activity.

勃起功能障碍是指难以获得或维持足够硬度的勃起，从而影响满意的性生活

Some men experience occasional erection difficulties, which can be completely normal.

有些男性偶尔出现勃起困难，其实是正常现象

The likelihood of ED increases with age, but younger men can experience it as well.

随着年龄增长，发生率会上升，但年轻男性也可能遇到ED

In the United States alone, an estimated 30 million men have experienced at least mild ED.

在美国，大约有3000万男性经历过不同程度的ED

Three Common Presentations of ED

ED的三种常见表现

According to international medical classifications, ED commonly appears in three patterns:

根据国际医学分类，ED通常有三种表现：

1. An erection starts normally but weakens or disappears before penetration.
   性生活开始时可以勃起，但在准备插入时减弱或消失

2. The erection is partial and not firm enough for penetration.
   勃起不完全，硬度不足以完成插入

3. No erection occurs at all.
   完全无法勃起

   
   

Causes of ED

ED的原因

Research suggests that around 70 to 80 percent of ED cases have physical causes, while psychological factors may account for 10 to 20 percent. Many cases involve a combination of both.

研究显示，大约70%到80%的ED与生理因素相关，10%到20%与心理因素相关，也可能是两者共同作用

1. Physical Causes

生理因素

General health issues such as fatigue, illness, chronic stress, or ageing can affect erections.

疲劳、生病、长期压力或年龄增长都可能影响勃起

Medical conditions may include:

常见疾病包括：

Vascular conditions such as high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, or high cholesterol
血管疾病，如高血压、动脉硬化、高胆固醇

Diabetes, which can damage nerves
糖尿病，可能损伤神经

Hormonal imbalance, including low testosterone or thyroid issues
激素问题，如睾酮或甲状腺激素不足

Peyronie’s disease
阴茎弯曲症

Medications such as certain blood pressure drugs
某些降压药物

Smoking, which damages blood vessels
吸烟，损伤血管

Substance use including alcohol, cannabis, cocaine or anabolic steroids
酒精、大麻、可卡因或类固醇滥用

Some recreational substances, including poppers, may also affect erectile function.

某些娱乐性药物，如poppers，也可能影响勃起功能

2. Psychological Causes

心理因素

If medical causes are ruled out, psychological factors may be contributing.

如果排除了生理原因，可能与心理因素有关

Performance anxiety
性表现焦虑

Relationship conflict or emotional distance
关系紧张或情感疏离

Lack of sexual confidence or experience
缺乏性自信或经验

Depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions
抑郁、焦虑或其他精神健康问题

How Is Erection Quality Assessed?

如何评估勃起质量？

Erection quality usually involves three components:

勃起质量通常包括三个方面：

1. Ability to achieve an erection
   是否能获得勃起

2. Firmness or hardness
   硬度

3. Ability to maintain it throughout sexual activity
   是否能维持到性生活结束

Doctors often use the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire.

医生常使用国际勃起功能指数问卷（IIEF）进行评估

Specialised devices such as Rigiscan can measure firmness and angle.

也可使用Rigiscan等设备测量硬度和角度

Comparing erections during masturbation, sleep, or partnered sex can help distinguish between psychological and neurological causes.

通过比较自慰、睡眠和性生活时的勃起情况，有助于判断是心理还是神经问题

Treatment Options

ED的治疗方式

1. Address Underlying Physical Conditions

先处理生理问题

If medical conditions are treated but ED persists, additional treatments may include:

如果疾病控制后ED仍存在，可以考虑：

• Oral medications such as sildenafil, tadalafil or vardenafil
  口服药物，如西地那非、他达拉非、伐地那非

• Vacuum erection devices
  真空助勃器

• Penile injections
  阴茎注射

• Urethral medication
  尿道内给药

• Penile implants
  阴茎植入物

• Surgical options in rare cases
  极少数情况下进行血管手术

2. Psychological or Sex Therapy

心理或性治疗

Even when ED has a physical cause, anxiety and relationship dynamics often play a role.

即使有生理原因，焦虑和关系因素也常常参与其中

Addressing performance anxiety, communication patterns, and sexual education can significantly improve outcomes.

处理表现焦虑、改善沟通和提升性知识，都能有效改善状况

So

For people who equate sex only with penetration, ED can feel devastating.

对于把性爱等同于插入的人来说，ED确实会带来巨大压力

But sexuality is far broader than penetration.

但性远远不止插入这一种形式

Pleasure, intimacy and connection can exist in many ways.

愉悦、亲密和连接可以通过多种方式实现

An erection is not a measure of masculinity or worth.

勃起并不是衡量男性价值或能力的标准

Stay calm. Seek support if needed. Most cases of ED are treatable.

放平心态，必要时寻求专业帮助。大多数ED都是可以改善的

Sex is not about proving yourself. It is about connection.

性爱不是证明自己，而是连接彼此