Erectile dysfunction (impotence) is a pathological process caused by the inability of the penis to achieve and maintain a state of sexual arousal for the time required to perform a complete act of intercourse.
There is a view that impotence is an age-related disease that marks the end of any intimate life.However, this statement is fundamentally incorrect, because everyone has their own innate ability reserves, which will be reduced under the influence of various external factors, so it is possible and necessary to combat this problem.
Causes of male impotence
Erection is a rather complex physical process, representing a series of reactions that occur one after another.A healthy body takes less than a minute to complete the entire necessary algorithm.The length of time a man is able to maintain sexual tension is determined individually based on the characteristics of each case.
The occurrence of erectile dysfunction in men can manifest not only as an independent disease, but also as a symptom of another underlying chronic pathology.
There are many negative factors that can affect the progress of the entire cycle and the various parts required to maintain a stable erection of the penis:
- psychological disorders and injuries;
- chronic fatigue;
- Various diseases affecting men with reduced sexual activity;
- drinking, smoking and drug use;
- Inflammation and mutilation of the male genitals;
- side effects of medications;
- Lack of cultural adherence to natural sex and frequent use of artificial alternatives.
Psychogenic impotence manifests itself under the influence of persistent stress and nervous instability, and is most common in young, strong, and physically fit individuals.Generally, it is temporary and disappears as unexpectedly as it appeared.
Erections and the accompanying sexual intercourse themselves consume considerable energy resources.Therefore, its absence or partial depletion results in decreased erectile capacity.
The state of the body's arterial and venous systems has a direct impact on the physical structure of the male penis during sexual tension and the duration of sexual intercourse.Therefore, atherosclerosis, abnormalities related to disorders of cerebral circulation, and diabetes may cause problems in intimate life.But the main risk group is men with various types of urogenital inflammation, especially late-stage inflammation.
Using self-gratification too frequently to relieve sexual tension can cause sperm to stagnate in the testicles, reducing their activity, leading to impotence.
decreased testosterone
Testosterone is a hormone that is the primary natural mechanism for maintaining male health.At the same time, under the influence of various endocrine disorders, its content and production rate in the blood will decrease, and liver cell function will be disordered, resulting in a lack of testosterone reproduction substances.In the case of excess weight, disorders of fat metabolism can also have a negative impact on hormone production.
Drug abuse, alcohol abuse, and smoking are sources of accumulation of harmful substances and toxins that can lead to the development of erectile dysfunction.Therefore, the abuse of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and narcotics can cause a double whammy to male sexual performance, reducing testosterone production and negatively affecting the cardiovascular system of the entire body.
It should also be mentioned that some medications significantly reduce libido due to the ingredients they contain.
Symptoms of impotence
If a boy has not had an erection since childhood, then impotence is primary; if over time the erection becomes weak or disappears completely, it is secondary.
They also differentiate between physiological impotence, acquired impotence and age-related impotence, sexual impotence with age.
The following symptoms may be cause for concern:
- Men lack sexual desire;
- Men cannot achieve stable erections under strong psychological excitement;
- The penis is not elastic enough for insertion into the vagina;
- Inability to perform frictional movements within the time required for full sexual intercourse;
- For most people, under optimal conditions, a man is unable to achieve the state of orgasm;
- No spontaneous erections in the morning or evening.
If you notice the presence of at least one of the above symptoms, you need to be examined by a specialist, because the earlier the disease is detected, the easier it is to treat it.
The diagnostic procedure for impotence is aimed at identifying the cause of the disease, finding ways to restore the integrity of life and the necessary treatment for impotence.
Hormone testing helps determine the levels of estrogen, prolactin, testosterone, and LH (luteinizing hormone) in the body.Ultrasound and X-ray examinations 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 evening.
Treatment of erectile dysfunction
There are two methods of fighting male diseases: classical therapy (medication and vacuum stimulation), surgery (surgical intervention).When there is mechanical damage to the blood vessels and arteries of the reproductive organs, it can be repaired surgically.
Choosing a drug to treat impotence is not an easy task.Because it is necessary to accurately determine the cause of the disease before prescribing medication.If it is based on negative changes in blood vessels, then drugs aimed at lowering cholesterol in the blood will be used, coupled with a special diet.Reducing vein elasticity requires a different approach.If testosterone levels are low, take pills containing this hormone.
Currently, inhibitors are very popular.They artificially induce erections and can effectively and quickly enhance male sexual performance.
Impotence associated with mental disorders and phobias requires hours of therapy with a psychotherapist.Treatment for such patients is increased tactile contact and foreplay time, removal of internal barriers, and sexual therapy.
Prevent impotence
The basis for maintaining sexual health is a normal lifestyle, quitting bad habits and promiscuity, establishing an appropriate intimate and moral relationship with your partner, and engaging in normal sexual activities.You should stop using ejaculation as your only method of contraception and stop using self-gratification as a substitute for full sexual intercourse.
Herbal preparations with high vitamin E content, which contain beneficial ingredients such as rose hips, golden root, lemongrass, etc., can play a good preventive role and enhance intimate health.
At the same time, you should not forget about regular examinations by medical specialists and if you have the slightest doubt about the viability of a man, immediately consult a doctor, urologist or andrologist.
Erectile dysfunction is a complex condition, so the sooner the condition is caught, the shorter the road to recovery for men.