Impotence, also known as erectile dysfunction, is a medical condition that affects a man’s ability to get or maintain an erection. It can be caused by physical or psychological factors, and medical treatment is widely available. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, obesity, and high blood pressure can also contribute to the condition. Medications and hormone therapies can help manage the problem, and counseling may be recommended for those struggling with the psychological effects. With medical advancements, impotence is now a manageable condition.
Impotence is a medical condition that affects a male’s ability to get or maintain an erection. It is often referred to as erectile dysfunction, as it usually affects only erectile capacity, which distinguishes it from other male sexual problems of both physical and psychological nature. The causes of impotence are typically physical, but in some cases it can also be caused or aggravated by psychological problems. Medical treatment for this problem is now widely available and widely used.
Most men experience the inability to sustain an erection from time to time, but impotence is considered a medical problem if it occurs regularly. Without the necessary rigidity, it may be difficult or impossible to engage in sexual activity or to achieve ejaculation. This can be a major source of frustration and shame for men experiencing the condition and can lead to psychological problems if it is an ongoing occurrence.
An erection is the result of a physical arousal which causes blood to swell in the penis to the point where the veins cannot drain the blood. After ejaculation or loss of arousal, enzymes in the body rapidly break down the secreted chemicals that have caused the blood to rush, allowing the penis to become flaccid. Men suffering from impotence experience a breakdown in this natural system at some point, often caused by hormonal imbalances or neurological and cardiovascular problems.
For the erection cycle to work, the male body must secrete sufficient levels of testosterone. Some men suffer from low testosterone, due to tumors of the pituitary gland, or a simple chemical imbalance. Impotence caused by low testosterone is often treatable or made manageable by taking low doses of the hormone as prescribed by a doctor.
Some cases of impotence are caused by improper or unhealthy blood flow throughout the body. This can prevent enough blood from reaching the penis to make it stiff or keep it that way. Lifestyle factors can be a significant problem in this form of the condition, as smoking, obesity, and high blood pressure have been shown to increase rates of impotence.
Low blood flow can also be the result of age or disease. Certain conditions, such as Alzheimer’s, have been scientifically proven to increase the chances of erectile dysfunction. If lifestyle factors don’t seem to be a problem, patients suffering from erectile dysfunction are often treated with medications to increase the chemicals released by the body that cause erections.
Some scientists have shown that erectile dysfunction is affected by psychological stress and other mental conditions. Depression, anxiety and panic disorders, and simple stress can affect a male’s ability to perform sexually. Since men often find the inability to maintain an erection a shameful experience, the problem can get worse as the dysfunction keeps coming back. Some experts recommend counseling for men who are having trouble coping with impotence-related issues.
With the advent of Viagra®, as well as other drugs and hormone therapies, erectile dysfunction has become much more manageable for many men. It seems that the medical miracle has largely solved a problem that has plagued doctors throughout recorded history. If you suffer from erectile dysfunction, contact a doctor to discuss the diagnosis and the best options. With medical technology constantly advancing, talking to a professional now could quickly make any problem a distant memory.
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