Erectile dysfunction (ED) also referred to as impotence, can be a source of stress both for a man, and his partner. It is defined as the inability to achieve and/or maintain an erection suitable for sexual intercourse. There are many causes of impotence, including physical and psychological reasons.
Some of the physical causes are reduced testosterone levels, or illnesses such as heart disease, vascular problems, kidney disease, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, Peyronie’s disease, or neurological problems. Sometimes vascular diseases, such as hardening of the arteries, result in reduced blood flow to the penis. Nerve damage or injuries to the groin can also contribute to erectile dysfunction. Different medications, including prescription and recreational drugs, as well as alcohol, may cause ED. Additionally, impotence can be a side effect of certain surgical procedures, including urinary tract, prostate, lower bowel, spinal, or bladder surgery. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and thyroid disorders may also play a role in male sexual dysfunction, as can smoking and extreme obesity.
While there are also psychological causes of impotence, research has shown that 80% of men actually have underlying physical causes. Some of the psychological causes of male dysfunction are relationship problems, anxiety and depression, emotional fatigue, post traumatic stress disorder, psychological trauma, or sexual identity problems. Counseling may be helpful in dealing with these conditions.
Basic lifestyle changes can contribute to general overall health, as well as sexual health. Regular exercise is good for the heart and vascular system, as well as great for relieving stress and anxiety. It also improves the production of testosterone, a hormone vital to sexual functioning.
Just as there are many causes of impotence, there are also many solutions. Because erectile dysfunction can be the first sign of disease or illness, it is important to see your doctor. Oral medications, mechanical devices (such as vacuum pumps and constriction rings), urethral suppositories, penile injections, and even surgical procedures (involving penile implants or vascular reconstruction and repair), are all available treatment options.
The preferred treatment choice by most men is oral medication. These medications have shown consistent, reliable results. And new drugs are constantly being researched. So if you have a problem with impotence, don’t hesitate to speak with your doctor, in order to find a treatment option that could vastly improve your life.