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 to perform the full act of 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 wrong, because each 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 fight this problem.
Causes of impotence in men
Erection is a complex physiological process, which represents a whole chain of reactions that follow one another.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 phenomenon of erectile dysfunction in men can appear not only as an independent disease, but also as a symptom of another deep chronic pathology.
There are a number of negative factors that affect 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 decreased sexual activity in men;
- alcohol consumption, tobacco smoking and drug use;
- Inflammation and deformity of male genitalia;
- side effects of medications;
- Lack of adherence to the culture of natural sex and frequent use of its artificial alternatives.
Psychological impotence appears under the influence of constant stress and nervous instability, which is often found in young, strong and physically healthy people.As a rule, it is temporary and disappears as unexpectedly as it appeared.
The erection and accompanying intercourse itself require the expenditure of a large energy resource.Accordingly, its absence or partial deficiency leads to decline in erectile abilities.
The condition of the arterial and venous systems of the body at times of sexual stress and during the period of orgasm has a direct impact on the physical structure of the male penis.Thus, atherosclerosis, abnormalities associated with cerebral circulation disorders and diabetes mellitus can cause problems in intimate life.But the main risk group are men with various inflammations of the genitourinary system, especially in advanced forms.
Frequent use of self-satisfaction as a way to relieve sexual tension leads to stagnation of sperm in the testicles, reducing their activity and, as a result, leading to impotence.
decrease in testosterone
Testosterone is a hormone that is the main natural mechanism for maintaining men's health.Meanwhile, its content in the blood and the rate of production can decrease under the influence of various endocrine disorders, disruption of the functioning of liver cells, resulting in a lack of material for the reproduction of testosterone.Fat metabolism disorders in the presence of excess body weight also negatively affect the production of hormones.
Drug addiction, alcohol and tobacco smoking, which serve as sources of accumulation of harmful substances and toxins, contribute to the formation of erectile dysfunction.Thus, abuse of alcoholic beverages, tobacco and drugs deals a double blow to male potency, reducing testosterone production and negatively affecting the cardiovascular system of the entire body.
It should also be mentioned that there are drugs that significantly reduce sexual desire due to the components present in them.
symptoms of impotence
Impotence is primary, if an erection does not appear in boys from an early age, and secondary, if it weakens over time or disappears altogether.
They also distinguish between physical, 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 stimulation;
- The degree of elasticity of the penis is not sufficient to insert it into the vagina;
- Inability to perform olfactory functions during the time period required for complete intercourse;
- Under optimal circumstances, a man cannot achieve orgasm;
- Spontaneous erections are absent in the morning and at night.
If the presence of 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 will be to cure it.
Diagnostic procedures for impotence are aimed at identifying the causes of the disease, finding ways to resume a full sexual life, and providing the necessary treatment for impotence.
Hormonal testing helps 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 erections in the morning and at night.
treatment of erectile dysfunction
There are two ways to deal with 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 medicines for the treatment of impotence is not an easy task.Because before making 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 cholesterol in the blood will be used along with a special diet.Reducing the elasticity of veins requires a different approach.In case of low testosterone levels, tablets containing this hormone are prescribed.
Currently, blockers are very popular.They induce erection artificially and are effective in increasing potency in men quickly.
Impotence associated with mental disorders and phobias requires several hours of sessions with a psychotherapist.Such patients are treated by increasing the time of tactile contacts and foreplay, removing internal inhibitions and sex therapy.
impotence prevention
The basis of maintaining sexual health is normalization of lifestyle, abandonment of bad habits and promiscuity, proper intimate and moral relationship with the partner and regular sexual activity.You should stop using intercourse interruption as the only method of contraception, and stop using self-gratification as a substitute for full intercourse.
Herbal preparations with a high content of vitamin E, which include rose hips, golden root, Chinese lemongrass and other useful ingredients, will have a good preventive effect and strengthen intimate health.
Also, 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 earlier the disease is detected, the shorter the path to restoring men's health.