What is erectile dysfunction (ED)?
Erectile dysfunction, or impotence, is when a man is not able to achieve or maintain an erection to complete sexual intercourse or another chosen sexual activity, and occures at different ages, at different people, for different reasons, and it is never good for a man not being able to satisfy his loved one. It is one of the most common sexual problems for men and many will experience ED at least once during their lives, however, few actually talk about it.
Even though it is not always something to worry about, most of them are embarassed to mention it, they may suffer from mental stress, and it can get even worse if they don’t seek advice or help.
Impotence causes
Impotence has wmany causes, that can be divided into 2 categories: psychological and physical. Nevertheless, it can also be a combination between the 2 categories, in which case it can be very serious.
Men under 35 are most likely to experience erectile dysfunction because of a psychological factor, and the impotence can be temporary or long standing. The most common psychological factors are:
- Depression
- Guilt
- Stress
- Relationship difficulties
- Worry
- Mental exhaustion and tiredness
- Unresolved gay feelings
- Relationship difficulties
In men over 35 the most probable cause of impotence is a physical issue. The most encountered problems are:
- A specific illness, such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis.
- Age - as men get older there can be changes in circulation or occasionally testosterone levels can fall.
- Drug abuse.
- Side effects of medical treatment, such as drugs used to treat blood pressure.
- Drinking too much alcohol, also called “Brewers Droop”.
- High blood pressure.
- Injury or major surgery to the pelvic area.
- High cholesterol.
- Atherosclerosis - a condition where the arteries which supply blood to the penis are hardened
(blocked) and so the blood flow to the penis is reduced.
The best thing to do, even if your problem is of a physical or psychological nature, is to seek advice, and to communicate with your partner so you can solve the problem. If you don’t pay any attention to it and you try and hide it, it can get even worse.
Treatments available for impotence
If you experience erectile dysfunction, go see your doctor. Depending on the cause of your problem, your doctor can give you some suggestions about giving up smoking, drugs or alcohol and suggest ways to relax and alleviate stress. If the problem is on a psychological level and is more complicated, like guilt, depression or something deeper, your doctor may suggest you see a counsellor or a specialist sex therapist for advice and help.
Some other ways to take care of impotence are hormone therapy, drugs, mechanical devices and surgery.