Erectile dysfunction (impotence) is a pathological process caused by the physical inability of the penis to achieve and maintain a state of sexual arousal for the time required for full sexual intercourse.
There is an opinion that sexual impotence is an age-related disease that marks the end of any intimate life.However, such a statement is fundamentally false, since each person has their own natural reserves of performance, which can be reduced under the influence of various external factors, so it is possible and necessary to combat this problem.
Causes of impotence in men
An erection is a fairly complex physical process that represents a whole series of sequential reactions.A healthy body spends less than a minute completing the entire necessary algorithm.The time during which a man can maintain sexual tension is determined individually and taking into account the specifics of each case.
The occurrence 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 affect both the course of the cycle as a whole and its individual parts, which are necessary to maintain the penis in a stable state of erection:
- mental disorders and injuries;
- chronic fatigue;
- various diseases affecting reduced sexual activity in men;
- alcohol consumption, tobacco smoking and drug use;
- Inflammation and mutilation of male genitals;
- side effects of medications;
- lack of adherence to the culture of natural sex and frequent use of its artificial substitutes.
Mental impotence manifests itself under the influence of constant stress and nervous instability and occurs most often in young, strong and physically healthy people.As a rule, it is temporary and disappears as unexpectedly as it appears.
The erection and the associated sexual intercourse itself require the expenditure of a large energy resource.Accordingly, its absence or partial breakdown leads to a deterioration in erectile function.
The state of the arterial and venous system of the body 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.Arteriosclerosis, abnormalities associated with cerebral circulation disorders and diabetes mellitus can lead to problems in intimate life.However, the main risk group is men with various inflammations of the genitourinary system, especially in advanced forms.
Too frequent use of masturbation as a means of relieving sexual tension leads to stagnation of sperm in the testicles, reducing their activity and, as a result, impotence.
Decreased testosterone levels
Testosterone is a hormone that is the main natural mechanism for maintaining male health.Meanwhile, its content in the blood and the production rate can be reduced under the influence of various endocrine disorders and liver cell dysfunction, resulting in a lack of material for the reproduction of testosterone.A lipid metabolism disorder if you are overweight also has a negative effect on the production of the hormone.
Drug addiction, alcoholism and tobacco smoking, which serve as a source of accumulation of harmful substances and toxins, contribute to the development of erectile dysfunction.Thus, the abuse of alcoholic beverages, tobacco and drugs causes a double blow to male potency, reduces testosterone production and negatively affects the cardiovascular system of the entire body.
It is also worth mentioning that there are medications that significantly reduce sexual desire due to the components they contain.
Symptoms of impotence
Impotence is primary when an erection does not occur at a young age in boys, and secondary when it weakens or disappears over time.
They also distinguish between physiological, acquired and age-related sexual impotence, which develops with age.
The following symptoms may cause concern:
- lack of sexual desire in a man;
- the inability of a man to achieve a stable erection during strong psychological excitement;
- the elasticity of the penis is not enough to insert it into the vagina;
- inability to perform frictional acts during the period of time required for complete sexual intercourse;
- For most people, under optimal conditions, a man cannot achieve orgasm.
- There are no spontaneous erections in the morning or evening.
If at least one of the above symptoms is detected, a specialist examination is necessary, because the earlier the disease is detected, the easier it is to cure.
Diagnostic procedures for impotence are aimed at identifying the causes of the disease, looking for methods of resuming full sexual life and the necessary cure of impotence.
Hormone tests can be used to 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 morning and night spontaneous erections.
Treatment of erectile dysfunction
There are two ways to combat male ailments: classical (drug treatment and vacuum stimulation), surgical (surgical intervention).If there is 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 issuing a prescription, you must accurately determine the cause of the disease.If it is due to negative changes in blood vessels, drugs are used to lower blood cholesterol levels, combined with a special diet.Reducing the elasticity of veins requires a different approach.If testosterone levels are low, tablets containing this hormone are prescribed.
Inhibitors are currently very popular.They artificially trigger an erection and quickly increase potency in men.
Impotence associated with mental disorders and phobias requires many hours of sessions with a psychotherapist.Treatment of such patients involves increasing tactile contacts and foreplay time, eliminating internal blockages, and sexual therapy.
Prevention of impotence
The basis for maintaining sexual health is the normalization of lifestyle, giving up bad habits and promiscuity, adequate intimate and moral relationships with a partner, and regular sexual activity.You should stop using coitus interruptus as the only method of contraception and masturbation as a substitute for full sexual intercourse.
Herbal preparations with a high content of vitamin E, containing rose hips, golden root, Chinese lemongrass and other useful ingredients, have a good preventive effect and strengthen intimate health.
At the same time, you should not forget about regular examinations by specialists and, if you have the slightest doubts about the man's viability, immediately consult a doctor, urologist or andrologist.
Erectile dysfunction is a complex disease.The earlier the disease is detected, the shorter the path to restoring the man's health.