Erectile dysfunction (impotence) is a pathological process caused by the physical inability of the penis to reach and maintain a state of sexual arousal for the time required to perform a complete sexual act.
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 wrong, because every 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 combat this problem.
Causes of impotence in men
An erection is a rather complex physical process, which represents a whole series of reactions one after the 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 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 the course of the entire cycle as a whole and its individual parts, which are necessary to keep the penis in a state of stable erection:
- psychological disorders and injuries;
- chronic fatigue;
- various diseases that affect the decrease in sexual activity in men;
- Alcohol consumption, tobacco smoking and drug use;
- Inflammation and mutilation of the male genitalia;
- 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 are mostly found in young, strong and physically healthy people.As a rule, it is temporary and disappears as unexpectedly as it seems.
The erection and accompanying intercourse itself require the expenditure of a large energy resource.Accordingly, its absence or partial depletion leads to a decline 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 intercourse.Thus, 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-satisfaction as a way to relieve sexual tension leads to stagnation of sperm in the testicles, reducing their activity and thus 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, disorders in the functioning of liver cells, resulting in a lack of material for the reproduction of testosterone.A fat metabolism disorder, in the presence of excess body weight, also negatively affects 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 formation of erectile dysfunction.Thus, abuse of alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotic products a double blow to male potency, reduce testosterone production and negative effects on the cardiovascular system of the body as a whole.
It should also be mentioned that there are drugs that significantly reduce sexual desire due to the components they contain.
Symptoms of impotence
Impotence is primary, when an erection does not occur in boys from an early age, and secondary, when it becomes weak over time or completely disappears.
They also distinguish between physiological, experienced and age-related, developing 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 enough to insert it into the vagina;
- Impossibility of frictional actions during the time required for full intercourse;
- under optimal conditions for most, a man cannot reach a state of orgasm;
- lack of spontaneous erections in the morning and evening.
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.
Diagnostic procedures for impotence aim to identify the causes of the disease, search for methods for the restoration of full sexual life and the necessary cure of impotence.
Hormonal tests help determine the amount of estrogen, prolactin, testosterone and LH (luteinizing hormone) in the body.Ultrasound and X-ray 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 evening spontaneous erections.
Treatment of erectile dysfunction
There are two ways to fight 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 carried out surgically.
The selection of drugs for the treatment of impotence is not an easy task.Because before you make a prescription, you need to determine the exact cause of the disease.If it is based on negative changes in the blood vessels, then drugs are used to lower cholesterol in the blood, coupled 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.
At the moment, inhibitors are very popular.They artificially induce an erection and are effective in increasing potency in men quickly.
Impotence associated with mental disorders and phobias requires many hours of sessions with a psychotherapist.The treatment of such patients occurs by increasing tactile contacts and foreplay time, by removing internal blocks and sex therapy.
Prevention of impotence
The basis for maintaining sexual health is the normalization of the lifestyle, abandonment of 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 self-satisfaction as a substitute for full intercourse.
Herbal preparations with a high content of vitamin E, which contain roses, golden roots, Chinese lemongrass 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 viability, immediately consult a doctor, urologist or andrologist.
Erectile dysfunction is a complex disease, so the sooner the disease is recognized, the shorter the path to restoring men's health.