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 have full 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, because every man has a natural reserve of his own 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 rather complex physical process, representing a whole series of reactions that follow each other.A healthy body spends less than a minute to complete the entire necessary 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 a deep chronic pathology.
There are many negative factors that affect the course of both the cycle as a whole and its individual parts that are necessary to maintain the penis in a stable state of erection:
- psychological disorders and injuries;
- chronic fatigue;
- various diseases that affect the decrease in sexual activity in men;
- alcohol consumption, tobacco smoking and drug use;
- inflammation and mutilation of the male genitalia;
- 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, which is most often found in young, strong and physically healthy people.As a rule, it is temporary and disappears as unexpectedly as it seems.
Erection and accompanying sexual intercourse itself requires the expenditure of large energy resources.Accordingly, its absence or partial depletion requires a decrease in erectile ability.
The state of the arterial and venous system of the body has a direct effect on the physical structure of the male penis at the time of sexual tension and the duration of intercourse.Therefore, atherosclerosis, abnormalities related to 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 too frequent use of self-gratification as a way to relieve sexual tension leads to the stagnation of sperm in the testicles, reducing their activity and, as a result, causing impotence.
Decreased testosterone
Testosterone is a hormone that is the primary natural mechanism for maintaining male health.Meanwhile, its content in the blood and production rate can be reduced under the influence of various endocrine disorders, disorders in liver cell function, resulting in a lack of material for testosterone reproduction.Disorders of fat metabolism, with the presence of excess body weight, also have a negative effect on hormone production.
Drug addiction, alcohol and tobacco smoking, which serve as a source of accumulation of harmful substances and toxins, contribute to the formation of erectile dysfunction.Therefore, the abuse of alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotic products gives a double blow to male potency, reducing testosterone production and having a negative effect on the body's cardiovascular system as a whole.
It should also be mentioned that there are drugs that significantly reduce sexual desire due to the components contained 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 physiological, acquired and age-related, developing with age, sexual impotence.
The following symptoms can be cause for concern:
- lack of sexual desire in men;
- the inability of a man to achieve a stable erection in the presence of strong psychological stimulation;
- the level of elasticity of the penis is not enough to insert it into the vagina;
- the inability to perform the act of friction in the time period required for full sexual intercourse;
- under optimal conditions for most, a man cannot reach a state of orgasm;
- morning and night spontaneous erection is absent.
If the presence of at least one of the above symptoms is detected, it is necessary to undergo an examination by a specialist, because the earlier the disease is detected, the easier it is to cure it.
Diagnostic procedures for impotence are aimed at identifying the cause of the disease, finding ways to continue sexual life to the fullest 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 x-rays 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 morning and evening spontaneous erections.
Treatment of erectile dysfunction
There are two ways to combat male diseases: classic (drug treatment and vacuum stimulation), surgery (surgical intervention).In the presence of mechanical damage to the vessels 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 determine exactly the cause of the disease.If it is based on negative changes in the blood vessels, then drugs aimed at lowering cholesterol in the blood will be used, plus a special diet.Reducing vein elasticity requires a different approach.In the case of low testosterone levels, tablets containing this hormone are prescribed.
Currently, inhibitors are very popular.They artificially induce erections and are effective in increasing potency in men quickly.
Impotence associated with mental disorders and phobias requires hours of sessions with a psychotherapist.The treatment of such patients occurs by increasing contact and foreplay time, by removing internal blocks and sex therapy.
Prevention of impotence
The basis for maintaining sexual health is normalizing the lifestyle, abandoning bad habits and promiscuity, intimate and morally correct relationships with partners, and regular sexual activity.You should stop using coitus interruptus as the only method of contraception, and self-gratification as a substitute for full intercourse.
Herbal preparations with a high vitamin E content, 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, you should not forget the regular examination by a medical specialist, and if you have the slightest doubt about male viability, immediately see a doctor, urologist or andrologist.
Erectile dysfunction is a complex disease, so the sooner the disease is detected, the shorter the road to men's health.