Erectile dysfunction (impotence) is a disease process caused by the physical inability of the penis to achieve and maintain a state of sexual arousal for the time required to achieve full sexual intercourse.
There is an opinion that sexual impotence is an age-related disease that marks the end of all intimate life.However, such a statement is fundamentally incorrect, because each man has his own natural reserve of abilities, which can be reduced under the influence of various external factors, therefore it is possible and necessary to combat this problem.
Causes of impotence in men
An erection is a fairly complex physical process, representing a whole series of reactions that follow one another.A healthy body spends less than a minute to complete the entire necessary algorithm.The time during which a man is able to maintain sexual tension is determined individually, taking into account the characteristics of each individual case.
The appearance of erectile dysfunction in men can manifest itself not only as an independent disease, but also as a symptom of another deep chronic pathology.
There are many negative factors that influence the course of both the entire cycle and its individual parts necessary to maintain the penis in a stable erection state:
- psychological disorders and injuries;
- chronic fatigue;
- various diseases that affect the decrease in sexual activity in men;
- alcohol consumption, smoking and drug use;
- inflammation and mutilation of the male genitals;
- side effects of medications;
- lack of adherence to the culture of natural sex and frequent use of its artificial substitutes.
Psychological impotence manifests itself under the influence of constant stress and nervous instability, which is most often found in young, strong and physically healthy people.Typically, it is temporary and disappears as unexpectedly as it appears.
The erection and the sexual intercourse that accompanies it themselves require the expenditure of a large energy resource.As a result, its absence or partial exhaustion leads to a decrease in erectile abilities.
The condition of the body's arterial and venous systems has a direct impact on the physical structure of the male penis at the time of sexual tension and on the duration of sexual intercourse.So, atherosclerosis, abnormalities associated with cerebral circulation disorders and diabetes mellitus can cause problems in intimate life.But the main risk group is men with various inflammations of the genitourinary system, especially in advanced forms.
Too frequent use of self-gratification as a means of relieving sexual tension leads to stagnation of spermatozoa in the testicles, reducing their activity and, as a result, causing impotence.
Decreased testosterone
Testosterone is a hormone that is the primary natural mechanism for maintaining male health.Meanwhile, its content in the blood and the rate of production can be reduced under the influence of various endocrine disorders, disruptions in the functioning of liver cells, leading to a lack of material for the reproduction of testosterone.A disorder of fat metabolism, in the presence of excess weight, also negatively affects the production of the hormone.
Drug addiction, alcoholism and smoking, which are a source of accumulation of harmful substances and toxins, contribute to the formation of erectile dysfunction.Thus, the abuse of alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotic products deals a double blow to male potency, reducing the production of testosterone and having a negative impact on the cardiovascular system of the body as a whole.
It is also worth mentioning that there are drugs that significantly reduce sexual desire thanks to the components they contain.
Symptoms of impotence
Impotence is primary if the erection does not appear in boys from an early age, and secondary if it weakens over time or disappears completely.
They also distinguish between physiological, acquired and age-related sexual impotence, developing with age.
The following symptoms may be concerning:
- lack of sexual desire in a man;
- a man's inability to achieve a stable erection in the presence of strong psychological arousal;
- the degree of elasticity of the penis is not sufficient to insert it into the vagina;
- inability to perform frictional actions during the period necessary for full sexual intercourse;
- under optimal conditions, for the most part, a man cannot reach a state of orgasm;
- spontaneous erections in the morning and evening are absent.
If the presence of at least one of the above symptoms is detected, it is necessary to undergo examination by a specialist, because the earlier the disease is detected, the easier it is to cure it.
Impotence diagnostic procedures aimed at identifying the causes of the disease, searching for methods to return to full sex life and the necessary remedy for impotence.
Hormone tests help determine the amount of estrogen, prolactin, testosterone, and LH (luteinizing hormone) produced in the body.Ultrasound and x-rays of the vascular system can reveal circulatory disorders in the penis.The list of necessary measures also includes a visit to a psychologist and independent observation of spontaneous erections in the morning and evening.
Treatment of erectile dysfunction
There are two ways to combat male diseases: classic (drug treatment and vacuum stimulation), surgical (surgical intervention).In the presence of mechanical damage to the vessels and arteries of the genital organ, their restoration is carried out surgically.
Choosing medications to treat impotence is not an easy task.Because before making a prescription, it is necessary to precisely determine the cause of the disease.If this is based on negative changes in blood vessels, drugs aimed at reducing cholesterol in the blood will be used, combined with a special diet.Reducing vein elasticity requires a different approach.In case of low testosterone levels, tablets containing this hormone are prescribed.
Currently, inhibitors are very popular.They artificially induce an erection and are effective in quickly increasing potency in men.
Impotence associated with mental disorders and phobias requires many hours of sessions with a psychotherapist.Treatment for these patients involves increasing tactile contact and foreplay time, removing internal blockages, and using sex therapy.
Impotence prevention
The basis for maintaining sexual health is the normalization of lifestyle, abandonment of bad habits and promiscuity, proper intimate and moral relationships with a partner and regular sexual activity.You should stop using coitus interruptus as your sole method of contraception and self-gratification as a substitute for full sexual intercourse.
Herbal preparations with a high content of vitamin E, which contain rosehip, golden root, Chinese lemongrass and other useful ingredients, will have a good preventive effect and strengthen intimate health.
At the same time, do not forget about regular examinations by specialist doctors and if you have the slightest doubt about male viability, immediately consult a doctor, urologist or andrologist.
Erectile dysfunction is a complex disease, so the earlier the disease is detected, the shorter the path to recovery of men's health.