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 to perform a complete act of 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 incorrect, because each person has his own natural reserve of abilities, which can be reduced under the influence of various external factors, so it is possible and necessary to fight this problem.
Causes of impotence in men
An erection is a rather complex physical process, representing a whole series of reactions that follow each other.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 appear not only as an independent disease, but also as a symptom of another deep chronic pathology.
There are many negative factors that affect the course of the entire cycle as a whole and its individual parts necessary to keep the penis in a stable state of erection:
- psychological disorders and injuries;
- chronic fatigue;
- various diseases that affect the reduction of sexual activity in men;
- alcohol consumption, smoking and drug use;
- inflammation and mutilation of the male genital organs;
- side effects of drugs;
- lack of respect for the culture of natural sex and the frequent use of its artificial substitutes.
Psychological impotence manifests under the influence of constant stress and nervous instability, most often in young, strong and physically healthy people.As a rule, it is temporary and disappears as suddenly as it appears.
The erection itself and the accompanying sexual intercourse require the expenditure of a large source of energy.Therefore, its lack or partial exhaustion leads to a decrease in erectile abilities.
The condition of the arterial and venous systems of the body has a direct impact on the physical structure of the male penis at the time of sexual tension and the duration of sexual intercourse.Thus, atherosclerosis, abnormalities related to cerebral circulation disorders and diabetes mellitus can cause problems in intimate life.But the main risk group are men with various inflammations of the genitourinary system, especially in advanced forms.
Too frequent use of masturbation as a way to relieve sexual tension leads to stagnation of sperm in the testicles, reducing their activity and, as a result, causing impotence.
Decreased testosterone
Testosterone is a hormone that is the main 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, interruptions in the functioning of liver cells, resulting in the lack of material for the reproduction of testosterone.A disorder of fat metabolism, in the presence of excess body weight, also negatively affects hormone production.
Drug addiction, alcoholism and smoking, which serve as 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 gives a double blow to male power, reducing the production of testosterone and having a negative impact on the cardiovascular system of the organism as a whole.
It should also be mentioned that there are medications that significantly reduce sexual desire due 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 altogether.
They also distinguish between physiological, acquired and age-related, which develop with age, sexual impotence.
The following symptoms may be cause for concern:
- lack of sexual desire in a man;
- the inability of a man 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 friction actions during the time period necessary for full sexual intercourse;
- under optimal conditions for most, a man cannot reach an orgasmic state;
- 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 an examination by a specialist, because the earlier the disease is detected, the easier it is to cure it.
Diagnostic procedures for impotence are aimed at identifying the causes of the disease, searching for methods for the complete resumption of sexual life and the necessary cure for impotence.
Hormonal testing helps determine the amount of estrogen, prolactin, testosterone and LH (luteinizing hormone) produced in the body.Ultrasound examination and X-ray of the vascular system can reveal blood circulation 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 fight the male disease: 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 performed surgically.
Choosing medications to treat impotence is not an easy task.Because before making a prescription, you need to accurately determine the cause of the disease.If it is based on negative changes in the blood vessels, then medications aimed at lowering blood cholesterol will be used, together with a special diet.Reducing the elasticity of the veins 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 rapidly increasing potency in men.
Impotence associated with mental disorders and phobias requires many hours of sessions with a psychotherapist.Treatment of such patients occurs by increasing tactile contacts and foreplay time, removing internal blocks and sex therapy.
Prevention of impotence
The basis for maintaining sexual health is the normalization of the way of life, giving up bad habits and promiscuity, proper intimate and moral relations with the partner and regular sexual activity.You must stop using coitus interruptus as the only method of contraception and masturbation as a substitute for full intercourse.
Herbal preparations with a high content of vitamin E, which contain rose hip, golden root, Chinese lemon and other useful ingredients, will have a good preventive effect and strengthen intimate health.
At the same time, you should not forget about regular examinations by medical specialists, and if you have the slightest doubt about male stamina, immediately consult a doctor, urologist or andrologist.
Erectile dysfunction is a complex disease, so the sooner the disease is detected, the shorter the road to men's health recovery.