Understanding Impotence

Impotence is a problem that is most common among older man, but can still affect younger ones. It is a very frustrating medical problem, but what’s more problematic is that most men that are suffering from this condition are too embarrassed to face their condition. This makes the situation more difficult, making impotence harder to treat and diagnose possible underlying more serious medical condition.

What is Impotence?

Man’s erection is achieved through a proper blood flow to the penis. However, when the blood flow has been interrupted, impotence or erectile dysfunction occurs.

Impotence, also known as Erectile Dysfunction or ED, is when a man has no ability to sustain or achieve an erection well enough to complete a sexual intercourse. Most men experience an occasional erection problem some time in their lives, but failure to achieve an erection MOST of the time may indicate other serious health issues.

In the past, it is believed that psychological problem alone is what causing impotence. It was then later discovered that there may be other factors that affects it such as various medical problems as well as the person’s lifestyle.

What Causes Impotence?

Impotence may occur due to numbers of reasons. One is psychological cause, which may bring temporary impotence mostly among men 35 years old and under; and the other one is physical or health problem, which is usually the most common cause of impotence among men 35 years old and above.

Psychological factors that causes impotence may include:

• Stress
• Relationship difficulties
• Guilt
• Bereavement
• Sexual boredom
• Worry
• Exhaustion (both physical and mental)
• Depression

Most common physical or health problems that contributes to impotence are:

• Diabetes
• Injury or surgery in the hip area
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• Low testosterone level
• Enlarged prostate
• Smoking
• Alcoholism
• Drug abuse
• Some medications

Impotence may also be an early sign of heart ailment which may lead to heart attack and stroke.

When to See a Doctor?

An occasional sexual problem is normal. However, when there’s persistent erection problem that it already affects your relationship with your partner, and when you have been experiencing pain associated with this problem, then it is advisable that you should consult your doctor immediately as there may have underlying physical or health problems involved.

What are the Treatments for Impotence?

There are many available treatments for impotence. If the cause is due to psychological problem, you may just need to change your lifestyle like giving up smoking, alcohol, and drugs. Try to relax and avoid stress, or see a psychologist if the problem is guilt, depression, worry, or anxiety.

Impotence may also be treated with therapies such as hormone and transurethral therapies or may be used with some mechanical devices that would be applied to the penis. There are also some drugs available, but most men prefer to take alternative treatments as it has less side effects and complications.

Summary

Impotence or erectile dysfunction can brings frustration and strain on a couple. It also brings emotional pain brought by embarrassment of being impotent, and the fear of having other illnesses such as heart ailment, liver disease, and other medical disorders. For this reason, men should see a doctor to discuss the symptoms to be able to detect more serious health conditions.