Contrary to what most people think, sexual problems are not the same for all men. Impotence, as a great example, is a condition that does affect someone’s ability to maintain or achieve erection, or ability to reach ejaculation. However, it is an erectile dysfunction form, not the same thing as erectile dysfunction.
The big problem with impotence is that there are many possible contributing factors, including physical and emotional disorders. You should know that around 50% of men between 40 and 70 years old do experience ED at least once. Impotence risk does increase as you age.
Education Is Key
One of the really important things you have to know is that men that are more educated have a lower possibility of experiencing impotence. It is believed this is because of the average healthier lifestyle. Obviously, impotence has a really negative effect on one’s sex life and will often cause extra low self-esteem, depression and stress. You want to understand potential common causes in order to identify the reason behind experiencing impotence.
The most common impotence causes you should be aware of are the following.
1 – Nerve And Neurological Disorders
There are various neurologic conditions that will increase impotence risk. When you suffer from nerve conditions the brain will have problems communicating with your reproductive system. It is possible that achieving an erection would not be possible. The common disorders that are linked with impotence are:
- Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease
- Spinal tumors and brain tumors
- Stroke
- Multiple sclerosis
- Temporal lobe epilepsy
You can also end up with impotence if nerve damage is experienced after prostate gland surgery. Temporary impotence can appear for long distance cyclers due to repeated genitals and buttocks pressure.
2 – Endocrine Diseases
Our endocrine system produces the hormones needed to regulate sexual function, mood, reproduction, metabolism and so much more. Various endocrine diseases can lead to impotence.
The most common example that can be mentioned is diabetes. The condition will affect your ability to use insulin. A side effect linked with chronic diabetes is unfortunately nerve damage. Penis sensations are affected. There are other complications that are associated with diabetes like impaired hormone levels and blood flow. Such factors can easily contribute to the appearance of impotence.
3 – Cardiac Conditions
When your heart does not have the ability to properly pump blood, impotence can appear. This is because you cannot achieve erection without having enough blood flowing towards your penis.
We can mention atherosclerosis as a condition that can cause your blood vessels to develop clogs, which would cause impotence. However, other cardiac conditions like high blood pressure or even having high cholesterol levels can increase impotence risks.
4 – Some Medications
Taking medications is sometimes needed but when you take drugs that affect the body’s blood flow you can end up with ED. You do not want to stop taking medication whenever prescribed by the doctor though. This is true even if it does cause impotence. Just discuss everything with the doctor. Common examples of medications that can cause impotence are:
- Beta-blockers – like metoprolol and carvedilol
- Alpha-adrenergic blockers – like tamsulosin
- Central nervous system stimulants – like amphetamines and cocaine
- Cancer chemotherapy medications – like cimetidine
- Central nervous system depressants – like codeine, diazepam and alprazolam
- Synthetic hormones – like leuprolide
- Diuretics – like spironolactone and furosemide
5 – Emotional Disorders
An excitement phase is necessary to achieve erections. This is a phase that is basically an emotional response to stimuli. When an emotional disorder is in place, it becomes more difficult to be sexually excited. The most common such conditions associated with impotence risk are anxiety and depression.
An important thing that should be mentioned is that performance anxiety often affects people and causes impotence. When you had problems with erections in the past, it is possible that you will fear that this will happen again. It is also possible that you will not be able to achieve erections with some partners. A full erection would appear when sleeping or when masturbating but during intercourse there is no erection or the erection cannot be maintained.
6 – Lifestyle Factors
When you abuse various drugs like amphetamines and cocaine you can end up with impotence. The same thing can happen when you abuse alcohol or when you are affected by alcoholism. Lifestyle factors can make it hard to achieve or maintain erections. It is important to go to a specialist whenever you think you have an abuse problem.
Treating Impotence
One of the really important things to remember about treating impotence is that it is possible. There are various solutions that are available, including some simple lifestyle changes, natural remedies and prescription medications.
- Prescription Medications
A doctor can prescribe medications or some medical interventions in order to treat impotence. The common options include Cialis, Viagra, Levitra, blood vessel surgery, testosterone replacement and psychological counseling.
- Natural Remedies
If you want to avoid medication or you just want to try something natural first, you can consider pomegranate juice, ginseng and acupuncture. Just make sure you talk with your doctor before you start using natural remedies.
- Lifestyle Changes
If the cause of impotence is emotional or physical, lifestyle changes have to be considered. You want to drink and smoke less, talk more with your partner, do what it takes to reduce your anxiety, improve your diet and exercise more.
Impotence Prevention
Although there are many different causes for impotence, most men can prevent it. This can be done through various different prevention methods, including:
- Working out.
- Making sure you get enough sleep.
- Maintain a healthy diet.
- Avoiding drugs, alcohol abuse and smoking.
- Reducing depression and stress.
Final Thoughts
Impotence should be taken seriously since it does change a person’s self-esteem and basically whole life. Aging is often associated with erectile dysfunction but remember that age is not necessarily the biggest of all impotence causes. Erectile dysfunction is not seen as a natural aging part. We have to look at aging as simply being a risk factor. There are people that will never have to struggle with impotence.
There is no way to deny the fact that impotence will negatively impact sex life but this is a condition that is often treatable. As already mentioned, many things can be done.
What is really important is to go to the doctor. The appearance of impotence is in so many cases a sign that something else happens. You have to identify the underlying health problem even if it is just being faced with too much stress.