Treating Impotence
Impotence, now more commonly referred to as erectile dysfunction, can often be a debilitating condition, affecting more than just a man’s ability to have sex. What starts off as a problem in the bedroom can extend to other areas of a man’s life, affecting his mental and physical health as well as his relationships. Treating impotence effectively starts with establishing the underlying cause, which could be physical, psychological, or a combination of the two.
Symptoms
Impotence occurs when a man has difficulty achieving an erection or is unable to sustain an erection long enough to enable him to have penetrative sex. The condition becomes more common and severe as men get older. Impotence can also lead to psychological problems such as depression and a loss of interest in sex.
Causes
It’s believed that around three-quarters of the cases of impotence have physical causes, while a quarter have psychological causes. However, impotence can often be caused by a combination of the two.
Physical conditions that may cause impotence include diabetes; high blood pressure; high cholesterol; obesity; multiple sclerosis; Parkinson’s disease; hormone imbalances, which may cause low levels of testosterone; surgery, e.g., an operation to remove the prostate gland; hypospadias, a condition in which the urethra and penis develop abnormally; and Peyronie’s disease, which affects the sheath that surrounds the erectile tissue of the penis.
Psychological problems that may prevent a man from achieving an erection or sustaining one include feelings of guilt, anxiety, or depression; work-related stress; conflicts with a partner; unresolved issues concerning sexuality; and sexual boredom.
Most men experience occasional episodes of impotence, usually as a result of tiredness, stress, or having consumed excess alcohol.
In younger men, impotence may be caused by worrying about impregnating a partner or a desire to please her; or it may result from worrying about the sex act itself. In middle-aged men, overwork, stress, and tiredness can all cause impotence, while in older men impotence is more likely to be caused by physical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or the side-effects of medication.
One of the causes of impotence is atherosclerosis, a condition that tends to be more common in people over the age of 40. Atherosclerosis is a potentially serious condition in which the body’s medium and large arteries get clogged up with fatty substances such as cholesterol. Atherosclerosis can cause impotence in men as hardening and narrowing of the arteries can restrict blood flow to the penis affecting its ability to function properly. Researchers believe that impotence may be an early warning sign of atherosclerosis which can ultimately lead to heart attack.
Treatment
Effective treatment for impotence depends on its underlying cause. If you’re suffering from the condition, the first step you should take is to talk to your doctor or a qualified health practitioner who will check for any physical causes and, if necessary, advise on treatment. He or she may refer you to a suitable therapist. Talking to your partner about the problem may help to relieve any stress or feelings of guilt you may have. You may also find sexual counseling helpful.
In the past decade new oral medications have drastically helped many men who suffer from impotence. However, these medications aren’t suitable for everyone as they can cause serious side-effects. Other treatments available to treat impotence include vacuum pumps, which work by pumping air from the penis and sucking blood into it. Implants can also be inserted into the penis or treatments such as intra-urethral pellet therapy and injections to the penis may be effective.
Self-Help
All men affected by impotence can take steps to help prevent the condition from getting worse by taking the following self-help measures:
- Stopping smoking
- Losing weight if overweight
- Taking moderate-intensity exercise (which causes you to become a little out of breath) for 30 minutes most days of the week
- Eating a balanced diet including at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day
- Drinking alcohol in moderation
- Avoiding using illegal drugs (which may also cause impotence)
- Controlling blood sugar levels properly if diabetic
Given the number of methods now available to effectively treat impotence, whatever its underlying cause, there’s every chance that if you suffer from this condition you won’t have to live with it indefinitely.
