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 a complete act of 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 wrong, because each person has his own natural reserve of capabilities, 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 is able to maintain sexual intensity is determined individually, taking into account the characteristics of each individual case.
The appearance 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 affect the course of both the entire cycle as a whole and its individual parts that are necessary to maintain the penis in a state of stable erection:
- psychological disorders and injuries;
- chronic fatigue;
- various diseases that affect the reduction of sexual activity in men.
- alcohol consumption, tobacco smoking and drug use;
- inflammation and mutilation of the male genital organs.
- side effects of medications;
- lack of attachment 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, which is more 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 accompanying sexual intercourse alone require the expenditure of a large energy resource.Consequently, its absence or partial depletion implies a decrease in erectile abilities.
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 intercourse.Thus, atherosclerosis, abnormalities 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.
Too frequent use of self-gratification as a way to relieve sexual tension leads to stagnation of sperm in the testicles, reducing their activity and, therefore, causing impotence.
Decreased 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 decrease under the influence of various endocrine disorders, disorders 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 drug products causes a double blow to male potency, reducing the production of testosterone and having a negative impact on the cardiovascular system of the body as a whole.
It should also be mentioned that there are drugs that significantly reduce sexual desire due to the ingredients 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 normal, acquired and age-related, which develops with age, sexual impotence.
The following symptoms may be cause for concern:
- lack of sexual desire in a man.
- inability of a man to achieve a stable erection in the presence of intense psychological arousal.
- the degree of elasticity of the penis is not sufficient for its introduction into the vagina.
- inability to perform friction actions during the time necessary for full sexual intercourse.
- Under optimal conditions for most, a man cannot achieve an orgasmic state.
- morning and night spontaneous erections are absent.
If the presence of at least one of the above symptoms is found, it is necessary to undergo an examination by a specialist, because the earlier the disease is detected, the easier it is to treat.
Diagnostic procedures for impotence are aimed at identifying the causes of the disease, at the search for methods to resume full sexual life and at 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 morning and night spontaneous erections.
Treatment of erectile dysfunction
There are two ways to combat the male condition: classical (treatment with drugs and vacuum stimulation), surgical (surgery).In the presence of mechanical damage to the vessels and arteries of the genital organ, their restoration is carried out surgically.
Choosing drugs to treat 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 the blood vessels, then drugs aimed at reducing blood cholesterol will be used, in combination with a special diet.Reducing the elasticity of the veins requires a different approach.In case of low testosterone levels, tablets containing this hormone are prescribed.
Currently, blockers are very popular.They artificially induce an erection and are effective in quickly increasing potency in men.
The impotence associated with mental disorders and phobias requires many hours of sessions with a psychotherapist.Treatment of such patients is carried out by increasing tactile contacts and foreplay time, by removing internal blocks and sexual therapy.
Prevention of impotence
The basis for maintaining sexual health is the normalization of the lifestyle, the abandonment of bad habits and promiscuity, the correct intimate and moral relations with the partner and regular sexual activity.You should stop using abstinence as the only method of contraception and masturbation as a substitute for full intercourse.
Herbal preparations with a high content of vitamin E, which contain rosehip, golden root, Chinese lemongrass and other useful ingredients, will have a good preventive effect and enhance intimate health.
At the same time, you should not forget regular examinations by specialist doctors, and if you have the slightest doubt about the viability of the man, immediately consult a doctor, urologist or andrologist.
Erectile dysfunction is a complex disease, so the sooner the disease is detected, the shorter the road to restoring men's health.