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 necessary to perform a complete sexual act.
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 man 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, which represents a whole series of reactions that follow one another.A healthy body takes 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 onset 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 both the entire cycle as a whole and its individual parts necessary to maintain the penis in a stable state of 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 genitals;
- side effects of medications;
- lack of adherence to the culture of natural sex and frequent use of its artificial substitutes.
Psychological impotence occurs under the influence of constant stress and nervous instability, most often found in young, strong and physically healthy people.As a rule, it is temporary and disappears as unexpectedly as it appears.
Erection and accompanying sexual intercourse require the expenditure of a large energy resource.Consequently, its absence or partial exhaustion leads to a decrease in erectile capabilities.
The state 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.Therefore, atherosclerosis, anomalies associated with disorders of cerebral circulation 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 sperm in the testicles, reducing their activity and, consequently, 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, disruptions in the functioning of liver cells, resulting in a lack of material for testosterone reproduction.A disorder of fat metabolism, 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.Therefore, the abuse of alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotic products deals a double blow to male potency, reducing testosterone production and having a negative impact on the cardiovascular system of the body as a whole.
It should also be said that there are drugs that significantly reduce sexual desire thanks to the components they contain.
Symptoms of impotence
Impotence is primary if erection does not appear in boys from an early age, and secondary if over time it becomes weak or disappears completely.
A distinction is also made between physiological, acquired and age-related sexual impotence, which develops with age.
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 period of time necessary for complete sexual intercourse;
- under optimal conditions for the most part, a man cannot reach the state of orgasm;
- spontaneous morning and night erections are absent.
If the presence of at least one of the above symptoms is detected, it is necessary to undergo a visit to a specialist, because the earlier the disease is detected, the easier it is to treat it.
Diagnostic procedures for impotence aimed at identifying the causes of the disease, finding methods to resume full sexual life and the necessary cure for impotence.
Hormone tests help determine the amount of estrogen, prolactin, testosterone, and LH (luteinizing hormone) produced in the body.Ultrasounds 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 morning and night erections.
Treatment of erectile dysfunction
There are two ways to combat male disease: classical (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.
Selecting drugs to treat impotence is not an easy task.Because before making a prescription, it is necessary to accurately determine the cause of the disease.If it is based on negative changes in the blood vessels, drugs aimed at lowering blood cholesterol will be used, along 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 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.The treatment of these patients occurs by increasing tactile contacts and foreplay time, removing internal blockages and sexual therapy.
Prevention of impotence
The basis for maintaining sexual health is the normalization of 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 your only 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, you should not forget about regular examinations by medical specialists, and if you have the slightest doubt about male vitality, 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 restoring men's health.