Pregnancy Options When Your Husband has Erectile Dysfunction
A myriad of reasons exist for why couples have a difficult time conceiving a baby. One of the most common reasons is because of infertility. Some infertility is caused by sexual dysfunction. A very common form of sexual dysfunction is erectile dysfunction. Fortunately, pregnancy options are available for couples coping with erectile dysfunction.
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Significance
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According to the Mayo Clinic, erectile dysfunction occurs when a man is unable to maintain an erection long enough to have intercourse. The dysfunction is more common in older men, but it can be a problem at any age. Men may experience difficulty or embarrassment discussing their erectile dysfunction. Pregnancy is possible if erectile dysfunction is properly treated. Some common physical problems that cause erectile dysfunction include hypertension, heart disease, obesity and diabetes. Psychological problems that contribute to erectile dysfunction include depression, stress and anxiety.
Medications
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The Mayo Clinic describes three main products that are used to treat erectile dysfunction. The medications are Viagra, Cialis and Levitra. These medications work by relaxing the penis muscles so that blood can easily flow to the penis in response to sexual stimulation.
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Intrauterine Insemination
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According to Fertility Plus, one option for couples coping with erectile dysfunction is intrauterine insemination. This process involves injecting sperm into the cervix through a very thin, flexible catheter.
In Vitro Fertilization
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In vitro fertilization provides one way for couples to increase their chances of having a baby. In vitro fertilization manually combines the egg and sperm in a laboratory dish. Once an embryo is created, the embryo is transferred to the uterus.
Adoption
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If a couple is still unable to conceive due to sexual dysfunction, other options are available to help them build a family. The Child Welfare Information Gateway states that some options include foster care, domestic and international adoptions.
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References
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- Photo Credit Image by Fotolia.com, courtesy of Cora Reed