Impotence (Erectile Dysfunction)

May 26th, 2007

Definition:
Impotence is the inability to attain or maintain an erection of the penis that is firm enough for sexual intercourse.
When a man can’t get an erection to have sex or can’t keep an erection long enough to finish having sex, it’s called erectile dysfunction or impotence. Erectile dysfunction can occur at any age, but it is more common in men older than 65.But Erectile dysfunction doesn’t have to be a part of getting older. It’s true that as you get older, you may need more stimulation (such as stroking and touching) to get an erection. You might also need more time between erections. But older men should still be able to get an erection and enjoy sex.

Causes
To initiate and maintain an erection, the penis must fill with blood. Nerve signals stimulate this engorgement. They prompt the blood vessels in the penis to expand so blood can fill it. Meanwhile, other blood vessels constrict, trapping blood inside.

The following factors can cause erectile dysfunction:

Venous Leak
If a leak in the blood vessels in the penis allows blood to escape, an erection may not be attainable, or may not last long. This can be caused by injury or disease.

Neurovascular Function
Erection cannot be attained if nerve signals do not prompt blood vessels to expand or if blood flow to the penis is reduced.
Nerve dysfunction can also diminish feeling in the penis resulting in impotence.
Diabetes can interfere with nerve signals.
Arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) can cause reduced blood flow.
Peripheral neuropathy, spinal cord injury, and surgery can also damage nerves.
Many medications also cause erectile dysfunction.
Psychological Factors
The brain initiates many of the nerve signals required for a successful erection.

. The following medical problems can also cause erectile dysfunction:

Diabetes (high blood sugar)
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
If you can’t keep your blood sugar or your blood pressure under control, you can get erectile dysfunction. It’s important that you take your medicines for these problems just the way your doctor tells you.

Sometimes your hormones get out of balance and this causes erectile dysfunction. Your doctor will decide if you need blood tests to check your hormones.

Some medicines can cause erectile dysfunction. If this is true for you, your doctor may take you off that medicine or give you a different one.

Drinking too much alcohol, smoking too much and abusing drugs can also cause erectile dysfunction.

Problems in your relationship with your sexual partner can also cause erectile dysfunction. Improving your relationship may help your sex life. If you decide to seek therapy, it will probably be most effective if your sex partner is included. Couples can learn new ways to please one another and to show affection. This can reduce anxiety about having erections.

Some physical causes of erectile dysfunction are:

Feeling nervous about sex, perhaps because of a bad experience or because of a previous episode of impotence
Feeling stressed, including stress from work or family situations
Being troubled by problems in your relationship with your sex partner
Feeling depressed
Feeling so self-conscious that you can’t enjoy sex
Thinking that your partner is reacting negatively to you

Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

Risk factors include:

Age: 65 and older
Medical conditions:
Diabetes
Arteriosclerosis (hardening of arteries)
Chronic kidney disease
Liver failure
Peyronie’s disease (bending of the penis caused by scar tissue)
Endocrine disorders
Neurological disorders (ie, multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, stroke)
Hypertension
Psychiatric disorders (ie, anxiety, depression)

.
Traumatic conditions:
Vascular surgery
Pelvic surgeries (particularly for prostate cancer)
Spinal cord injury

.
Behaviors:
Alcohol use
Illegal drug use
Anabolic steroid use
Heavy smoking
Interpersonal conflicts with a sexual partner

.
Medications:
Antihypertensives
Antihistamines
Antidepressants
Tranquilizers
Antipsychotics

Symptoms :

A less firm penis
Fewer erections

Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Expect questions about the frequency, quality, and duration of your erections. Your answers may help determine if primarily psychological or physical factors are causing your impotence.

The doctor will examine your penis, testes, and rectum. If a physical cause is suspected, the doctor may order laboratory tests.

Modern Treatment
Treatment options include:

Sildenafil (Viagra)â€“taken orally up to once a day, 30-60 minutes before sexual activity

Alprostadilâ€“either injected into the penis or inserted into the urethra as a suppository

Oral Testosteroneâ€“only for men whose impotence is caused by low testosterone levels

Vacuum Devices

Plastic cylinder for the penis
Hand pump for pumping air out of the cylinder
Elastic band for holding the erection after removal of the cylinder

Vascular Surgeryâ€“repairs venous leaks, and has been shown to be effective in some cases

Penile Implantsâ€“semirigid, malleable, and inflatable implants that are surgically inserted into the penis

Sex Therapyâ€“may help impotence resulting from:

Ineffective sexual techniques
Relationship problems
Anxiety
Depression

For Ayurvedic and Herbal Remedies of Importance click on (1)and (2)

Homeopathic Treatment, Cure & Medicines for Impotence/ Erectile Dysfunction

Homeopathic impotence treatments

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Prevention
To reduce your chances of becoming impotent:

Take medications to manage blood pressure, diabetes, or depression.
If medications may be the problem, ask your doctor about changing the medication or adjusting the regimen.
Maintain a healthful lifestyle and diet.
Do not smoke. Smoking is significantly associated with erectile dysfunction in middle-aged and older men.
Try ongoing communication and relationship counseling to prevent or manage interpersonal conflict.

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advise or help. It is always best to consult with a Physician about serious health concerns. This information is in no way intended to diagnose or prescribe remedies.

References:

www.helthline.com

http://www.beliefnet.com/healthandhealing/getcontent.aspx?cid=11751