If you are one of those unfortunate males that suffers from erectile dysfunction or impotence then read this report.
Facts are all men have erection problems from time to time. Many physical and psychological conditions have an effect on erectile dysfunction and periods of impotence are considered normal. Only when attempts at intercourse fail more than 25% of the time, would one be diagnosed with impotent.
Nevertheless, if the problem is persistent, men should seek professional help, particularly since erectile dysfunction is usually treatable and more importantly may also be a symptom of an underlying health problem.
While erectile dysfunction is primarily associated with old age, impotence is NOT inevitable with age. Surveys have shown that while older men in the age group of 40-70 experience erectile dysfunction to some degree each year, it has more to do with disease than age itself. Older men, compared to younger men, are more prone to heart attack, diabetes and high blood pressure, all symptoms which are all high risk factors for treatment of ED. Two major factors which contribute to impotence are smoking and obesity.
Erectile dysfunction is not something new that has evolved over the years though many men are still bashful about discussing this with their physician. Seeking help and openly consulting impotence with your doctor can usually benefit from medical treatment.
There are many ways to treat erectile dysfunction. Some are immediate short term solutions and others are more long term. The cause of impotence dictates the mode of treatment. The first step is to define the cause, if possible, and then try the simplest and least-risky solution.
What is erectile dysfunction – impotence?
Erectile dysfunction is a condition where a male is unable to achieve an erection or sustain an erection to perform sexual activity. Note that sexual drive and the ability to have an orgasm are not necessarily affected.
How does a healthy penis achieve an erection?
The penis consists of two parallel columns of spongy tissue called the corpus cavernosa, or erectile bodies. In addition to that there is a central spongy chamber called the corpus spongiosum. This contains the urethra which carries urine from the bladder through the penis.
This Erectile tissue is rich in tiny pools of blood vessels called cavernous sinuses. Each of these vessels are surrounded by smooth muscles and supported by elastic fibrous tissue composed of a protein called collagen.
An erection is achieved when the brain sends a chemical signal to the penile muscles causing it to relax. It starts with sexual stimulation that can either be in tactile or mental form. A chemical called nitric oxide stimulates production of cyclic GMP, a chemical that when released in the nerves is responsible for causing the penile muscles to relax and allow rapid blood flow. This blood accumulation fills up the penis much like an inflated balloon and causes it to be erect. After ejaculation or arousal GMP is broken down by an enzyme called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) which causes the penile muscles to constrict again and lose the erection.
Collagen is the major component in structural tissue in the body, including in the penis. Excessive amounts, however, form scar tissue, which can impair erectile function.
Oxygen-rich blood is one of the most important components for erectile health and oxygen levels vary considerably, from very low in the flaccid state to very high in the erect state. Normal levels of hormones, especially testosterone, are also essential for erectile function.
Erectile dysfunction most commonly occurs when the penis is deprived of oxygen-rich blood which in turn creates an imbalance in two impotant substances, TGF-B1 and prostaglandin E1. The increase of TGF-B1 and decrease of prostaglandin E1 causes a wasting away of smooth muscles and over production of collagen causing scarring and reduced blood flow to the penis.
The primary cause of oxygen deprivation is ischemia – blockage of blood vessels - which is the same condition that leads to heart attacks. So the same conditions that lead to heart problems may also contribute to erectile dysfunction.
For example, when cholesterol and other factors are imbalanced, a fatty substance called plaque forms on artery walls. As the plaque builds up, the arterial walls gradually narrow, reducing blood flow.This process, known as atherosclerosis, is the major contributor to the development of coronary heart disease and can also play a role in the development of erectile dysfunction.
What are the contributing factors to erectile dysfunction?
We know how a healthy penis achieves an erection. Now we need to determine whether the cause is due to psychological or physical causes. Research over the past decades estimates that only 15% are psychological while 85% is due to physical or medical problems. However it is still difficult to determine if the cause of impotence is physical or psychological or even a combination of both.
In a nutshell:
Psychological impotence tends to be related to a relatively recent situation or events and develops rather rapidly. So a male would be able to achieve an erection in some circumstances but not in others. The give away and suggestion that it most probably is psychological rather than physical is when the male still has and maintains an erection upon waking in the morning.
Physical impotence on the other hand is caused by medical issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure or by surgery, injury or medications. Erectile dysfunction due to medical conditions usually develops gradually over time.
Prolonged impotence over a period of more than 3 months, if it is not due to stress, drug use, medications or alcohol, should be a warning sign to seek medical attention by a urologist.
Either way, in virtually every case, erectile dysfunction stirs up emotional issues that seriously affect the man’s self esteem and relationship.
What are some of the psychological issues which can cause erectile dysfunction?
Anxiety, depression, fear of failure or self doubt is among the most frequent contributors. Neurotransmitters in the brain are released which constrict the smooth muscle of the penis and its arteries. This constriction in turn means that blood flow into the penis is reduced and blood flow out of the penis is increased.
Problems in relationships, especially if both partners cannot openly discuss emotional or sexual issues with each other often has a direct impact on their sex life. Tensions, anger and negative feelings for each other can make it very difficult for a man to perform sexually.
What about lifestyle issues, which of these and how do they contribute to impotence?
Well there is smoking on top of the list which can contribute greatly to the development of impotence. Smoking contributes to high blood pressure and atherosclerosis.
Alcohol when consumed in excess depresses the central nervous system and therefore impairs sexual function. It’s like anything, drink in moderation and that is not a problem, in fact it lowers any inhibitions.
A healthy penis requires oxygen rich blood on a daily basis which it derives from daily erections. Without those, collagen production increases and over time forms a tough tissue that interferes with the blood flow.
Which Physical causes can attribute to impotence ?
Essentially, any condition which shares the impaired ability of blood vessels to open and allow a normal blood flow will contribute to erectile dysfunction. In fact, men who experience erectile dysfunction have a greater risk for heart attack or stroke, so this may only be a warning sign. For this reason alone, when you do experience erectile dysfunction, visit your GP and have it diagnosed and treated.
- High blood pressure – major risk factor
- High cholesterol – major risk factor
- Diabetes – can include blocked arteries and nerve damage
- Blocked arteries – major risk factor – stop smoking – get your cholesterol down!
- Atherosclerosis – fatty deposits (atheromas) inside the arterial walls, thus narrowing the arteries – A leading cause of heart attack and stroke
- Obesity
- Heart disease
- Metabolic syndrome – a cluster of conditions which include obesity, abdominal fat, unhealthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance.
- Diseases that affect the central nervous system
- Low levels of Testosterone can contribute to impotence
- spinal chord injury and pelvic trauma
- Prostate cancer surgery
- virtually any surgery that relates to the pelvic area can contribute to erectile dysfunction
- Peyronie’s disease – an accumulation of scar tissue within the penis shaft, which causes it to curve and can make erection and intercourse difficult and painful.
What about medications – which medications contribute to erectile dysfunction?
There are many medications that can increase the risk and contribute to impotence, such as:
- High blood pressure medications, diuretics, calcium channel blockers and beta blockers
- Heart or cholesterol medication
- Medication used to treat depression
- Chemotherapy drugs
- Hormone drugs
As already mentioned above, once the cause of impotence is diagnosed, the mode of treatment can be prescribed. This is the first step, which may not be easy to identify as it can be a combination of physical, psychological and medical issues, but armed with that information one would then try the simplest, least invasive and least risky solution. The options and products available for treating erectile dysfunction are numerous …read more!
Consult your doctor and get an expert opinion.
In closing, no matter what the treatment, change and embark on a healthy lifestyle as the first and most critical step for maintaining a healthy, fulfilling sexual lifestyle and restoring erectile function.
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