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 intimate life.However, such a statement is basically incorrect, because each person has his own natural abilities, which can be reduced due to the influence of various external factors, so this problem can and must be overcome.
Causes of impotence in men
Erection is a rather complicated physical process, representing a series of reactions following each other.A healthy body takes less than a minute to complete all the necessary algorithms.The time during which a man is able to maintain sexual tension is determined individually, taking into account the characteristics 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 other deep-seated chronic pathologies.
There are many negative factors that affect the course of the entire cycle as a whole and its parts necessary to maintain 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, smoking and drug use;
- inflammation and mutilation of male genital organs;
- drug side effects;
- lack of adherence to natural sex culture and frequent use of artificial substitutes.
Psychological impotence manifests itself under the influence of constant stress and nervous instability, most often found in young, strong and physically healthy people.Usually, it is temporary and disappears as unexpectedly as it appears.
Erection and sexual intercourse itself requires a large expenditure of energy resources.Therefore, its absence or partial effacement leads to decreased erectile ability.
The state of the body's arterial and venous systems has a direct impact on the physical structure of a man's penis during sexual tension and the duration of sexual intercourse.Thus, atherosclerosis, disorders associated with impaired 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 way of relieving sexual tension leads to stagnation of sperm in the testicles, reducing their activity and consequently leading to impotence.
Decreased testosterone
Testosterone is a hormone which is the main natural mechanism in maintaining men's health.Meanwhile, its content in the blood and its production rate can decrease due to the influence of various endocrine disorders, impaired liver cell function, resulting in a lack of material for testosterone reproduction.Disorders of fat metabolism, in the presence of excess weight, also have a negative impact on hormone production.
Drug addiction, alcoholism and smoking, which are sources 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 negatively affecting the cardiovascular system of the body as a whole.
It is also worth mentioning that there are drugs that significantly reduce sexual desire due to the components they contain.
Symptoms of impotence
Impotence is primary if an erection does not appear in a boy from an early age, and secondary if the erection weakens over time or disappears altogether.
They also distinguish between physiological, acquired and age-related impotence, developing with age.
The following symptoms may be of concern:
- lack of sexual desire in men;
- 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 for insertion into the vagina;
- inability to perform the act of friction for the period of time required for full sexual intercourse;
- under optimal conditions for most people, men cannot reach an orgasmic state;
- morning and night spontaneous erections are absent.
If at least one of the above symptoms is detected, it is necessary to be examined by a specialist, because the earlier the disease is detected, the easier it is to cure it.
Impotence diagnostic procedures aim to identify the cause of the disease, search for methods to fully resume sexual life and the necessary treatment of impotence.
Hormonal tests help determine the amount of estrogen, prolactin, testosterone and LH (luteinizing hormone) produced in the body.Ultrasound and x-ray of the vascular system can reveal circulatory disorders in the penis.The list of necessary actions also includes a visit to a psychologist and independent observation of spontaneous morning and evening erections.
Erectile dysfunction treatment
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 veins and arteries of the genital organs, their restoration is carried out surgically.
Choosing a drug to treat impotence is not an easy task.Because before making a prescription, you need to know exactly the cause of the disease.If it is based on negative changes in the blood vessels, drugs will be used which aim to lower cholesterol in the blood, coupled with a special diet.Reducing blood vessel elasticity requires a different approach.If testosterone levels are low, tablets containing this hormone are prescribed.
Currently, inhibitors are very popular.They artificially induce erections and are effective in rapidly increasing male potency.
Impotence associated with mental disorders and phobias requires hours-long sessions with a psychotherapist.Treatment of such patients is carried out by increasing tactile contact and foreplay time, by removing internal obstacles and sex therapy.
Prevention of impotence
The foundation for maintaining sexual health is lifestyle normalization, rejection of bad habits and promiscuity, good intimate and moral relationships with partners, and regular sexual activity.You should stop using interrupted coitus as the only method of contraception, and self-gratification 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, will provide a good preventive effect and strengthen intimate health.
At the same time, you should not forget about regular examinations by a specialist doctor, and if you have the slightest doubt about a man's viability, immediately consult a doctor, urologist or andrologist.
Erectile dysfunction is a complex disease, so the sooner this disease is detected, the shorter the path to restoring men's health.