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 complete 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, since each person has his own natural reserve of abilities, 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 very complex physical process, representing a whole series of reactions that follow each other.A healthy body spends less than a minute completing the entire required algorithm.The time during which a man can 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 influence the course of the entire cycle as a whole and its individual parts necessary to maintain the penis in a stable erection state:
- 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, 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 the sexual intercourse that accompanies it require the expenditure of a large energy resource.Consequently, its absence or partial depletion leads to a decline in erectile capabilities.
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.
The very frequent use of self-gratification as a way to relieve sexual tension leads to stagnation of sperm in the testicles, reducing their activity and, consequently, causing impotence.
Decrease in 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 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 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 completely.
They also distinguish between physiological, acquired and age-related impotence, which develops with age, sexual impotence.
The following symptoms may be cause for concern:
- lack of sexual desire in men;
- a man's inability to achieve a stable erection in the presence of strong psychological excitement;
- the degree of elasticity of the penis is not sufficient to insert it into the vagina;
- inability to perform friction actions for the period of time necessary for full sexual intercourse;
- under ideal conditions for most, men cannot reach the state of orgasm;
- spontaneous morning and evening erections are absent.
If the presence of at least one of the above symptoms is detected, it is necessary to be examined by a specialist, as the sooner the disease is detected, the easier it will be to cure it.
Impotence diagnostic procedures aim to identify the causes of the disease, seeking methods for resuming 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.Ultrasound and radiography of the vascular system can reveal circulatory disorders in the penis.The list of necessary measures also includes consultation with 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 medications to treat impotence is not an easy task.Because before writing a prescription, you need to accurately determine the cause of the disease.If it is based on negative changes in blood vessels, medications aimed at reducing blood cholesterol will be used, along with a special diet.Reducing vein elasticity 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 quickly increasing potency in men.
Impotence associated with mental disorders and phobias requires many hours of sessions with a psychotherapist.These patients are treated by increasing tactile contact and foreplay time, removing internal blockages and sexual therapy.
Preventing impotence
The basis for maintaining sexual health is the normalization of lifestyle, giving up bad habits and promiscuity, adequate intimate and moral relationships with a partner, and regular sexual activity.You must stop using coitus interruptus 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, which contain rose hips, golden root, Chinese lemongrass and other useful ingredients, will have a good preventive effect and strengthen intimate health.
At the same time, one should not forget about regular examinations carried out by specialist doctors, and if you have the slightest doubt about male viability, immediately consult a doctor, urologist or andrologist.
Erectile dysfunction is a complex disease, therefore, the earlier the disease is detected, the shorter the path to restoring a man's health.