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 person has his own natural reserve of capabilities, which can be reduced under the influence of various external factors, therefore 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 reactions that follow one another.A healthy body spends less than a minute completing 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 manifest itself not only as an independent disease, but also as a symptom of another deep chronic pathology.
There are many negative factors that influence the course of both the entire cycle and its individual 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 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 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 sexual relations that accompany it require the expenditure of a large energy resource in themselves.Consequently, its absence or partial exhaustion leads to a decrease in erectile capacity.
The state of the body's arterial and venous systems 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, anomalies 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-gratification as a way to relieve sexual tension causes stagnation of sperm in the testicles, which reduces their activity and, as a result, causes 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, disturbances in the functioning of liver cells, resulting in a lack of material for the reproduction of testosterone.A disorder of fat metabolism, in the presence of excess body weight, also negatively affects the production of the hormone.
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 narcotics deals a double blow to male potency, reducing the production of testosterone and having a negative impact on the cardiovascular system of the body as a whole.
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, if the erection does not appear in children from an early age, and secondary, if over time it weakens or disappears completely.
They also distinguish 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;
- 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 to insert it into the vagina;
- inability to perform friction actions during the period of time necessary for a full sexual relationship;
- Under optimal conditions for the majority, a man cannot reach the state of orgasm;
- There are no spontaneous morning or night erections.
If the presence of at least one of the above symptoms is detected, it is necessary to undergo an examination by a specialist, since the earlier the disease is detected, the easier it will be to cure it.
Impotence diagnostic procedures aimed at identifying the causes of the disease, seeking methods to resume full sexual life and the necessary cure for 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 measures also includes a visit to a psychologist and independent observation of spontaneous morning and evening erections.
Treatment of erectile dysfunction
There are two ways to combat male ailments: 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 performed surgically.
Selecting medications to treat impotence is not an easy task.Because before prescribing, it is necessary to accurately determine the cause of the disease.If it is based on negative changes in the blood vessels, medications 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.
Inhibitors are currently very popular.They artificially induce an erection and are effective in quickly 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, eliminating internal blockages and sexual therapy.
Impotence prevention
The basis for maintaining sexual health is normalizing the lifestyle, abandoning bad habits and promiscuity, adequate intimate and moral relationships with one's partner, and regular sexual activity.Coitus interruptus must stop being used as the only contraceptive method, and self-gratification as a substitute for a full sexual relationship.
Herbal preparations with a high content of vitamin E, containing rose hips, golden root, Chinese lemongrass and other useful ingredients, will have a good preventive effect and strengthen intimate health.
At the same time, we must not forget about periodic examinations carried out by specialist doctors, and if there is the slightest doubt about male viability, 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.