Impotence, commonly referred to as erectile dysfunction, is a hard condition
to deal with. It’s not untreatable by any means, but it carries
a social stigma that makes its victims reluctant to admit it to anyone—even a doctor.
Despite being treatable, impotence is difficult to diagnosis precisely.
There are a variety of factors that contribute to erectile dysfunction,
and many men may suffer from multiple possible causes.
Common causes can be both physical and psychological, including:
- Heart disease
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Depression
- Relationship dysfunction
- Anxiety
However, like impotence, each of these conditions is treatable, both medically
and through patient intervention. Pharmaceutical treatments include medications
like Viagra or Cialis. These medications work by using nitrous oxide to
relax muscle tissue and increase blood flow, which allows erections to
form more easily. However, this would potentially be dangerous for men
with heart conditions or high blood pressure, so consult your doctor before
attempting to take them yourself.
In more drastic cases, surgery may address the problem. If the cause of
erectile dysfunction is constricted blood vessels, you can ask your physician
about blood vessel surgery to clear any constrictions or blockages. Another
option is penile implant surgery. This surgery works by inserting semirigid
rods on either side of your penis as supports. You control the rods, thus
controlling your erections—including how long they last.
Ultimately though,
erectile dysfunction may be far more treatable through your habits and lifestyle. If the root cause of impotence is psychological, seeking individual or
couples counseling may do more for you than any medication. It will have
the added benefit of addressing the deep insecurities that often accompany
erectile dysfunction (and often make it worse through anxiety). In addition,
daily moderate exercise, even for a few minutes a day, will vastly improve
your circulatory fitness.
Finally, if you smoke or drink excessively, substance abuse is strongly
linked to erectile dysfunction. Quitting smoking may be one the best things
you can do, both for your lungs and your physical intimacy. In any case,
it is always important to take controlled, safe measures when it comes
to impotence. Though it is a deeply emotional and potentially embarrassing
issue for many, it is crucial to make rational decisions when treating
erectile dysfunction. Trust your doctors—the more honest you are
with them, the more they will be able to help you.
This article contains general information about medical conditions and
treatments. The information is not advice and should not be treated as
such. The information is not intended to replace the advice or diagnosis
of a physician.
If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should
consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider.