Impotence information

What is Erection Dysfunction?

When a man cannot initiate an erection to have sex or cannot sustain an erection long enough to achieve sexual climax, it is called erectile dysfunction or male impotence. The degree of impotence varies from one man to another. Some men experience chronic and complete erectile dysfunction, while others experience impotence in isolated and brief occurrences. A complete erectile dysfunction is established if erections during sleep do not occur, in addition to the failure to initiate or sustain sex. Frequent and constant erectile dysfunction causes emotional turmoil and severed relationships, which often leads to diminished self-esteem. Erectile dysfunction has many causes, and most of which are treatable and modifiable. Though it has a close association with aging, male impotence is not an inevitable incapacity.

What Causes Male Impotence?

The cause of impotence is multi-factorial since the ability to attain and maintain erections involve the interplay of the physical, hormonal and psychological aspects of one’s life. Generally, impotence can either be a consequence of a physical or biological irregularity, or an outcome of a psychological impediment. Pre – existing medical conditions are the most common causes of impotence.

Clinicians used to believe that impotence is entirely caused by psychological unrest, but for the past years, physical and biological alterations in our body are recognized as the most common causes of male impotence. Reduced blood flow to the penis and damage to the nerves that transmit impulses to the male organ are the most common physical causes. Medical conditions that commonly result in a decrease of blood supply to the penis are diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disorders. Any condition that damages the blood vessels and disrupts the normal transmission of nerve impulses increases the risk for male impotence. Underlying conditions associated with erectile dysfunction include the following: cancer or prostate operations, spinal cord fractures, multiple sclerosis (MS) and hormonal imbalances.

Your mental health and your frame of mind can greatly affect the buildup of sexual excitement and desires. Any factor that switches off the brain from any sexual stimulation can result in impotence. Stress, anxiety, fatigue, depression, resentment, hostility and a genuine lack of interest in sex are only some of the psychological causes of erectile dysfunction.

To sum it up, cases of erection dysfunction increase as men age. No man is safe from this condition since it can affect them at any age and at any time in their lives. Physical causes are more common in older men, while psychological causes are more common in younger men. Sometimes erectile dysfunction may be a symptom of a more serious medical problem, and so it is best that you consult your physician for proper management.