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Erectile Dysfunction / Impotence Overview |
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Erectile Dysfunction : Overview
The first step: AwarenessAlthough sexual impotence is a problem which millions of men encounter at some point in their life, it remains difficult for many of them to admit the problem first to themselves, and subsequently to their partner and physician. This can often mean that they are prevented from ever enjoying sexual activity regularly again. Men who feel this way are not alone, since it is known that of those men who suffer from impotence in this country, fewer than 8 per cent have ever been treated.Ignoring sexual problems was previously thought to be acceptable, but in this modern world we have realised that sexual wellness very often translates to general wellness and wellbeing. We are far more concerned about living long, healthy, happy and fulfilled lives than worrying about our pride being potentially bruised by discussing our problem with our doctor. Nowadays there are many highly effective treatments which we can choose from, both surgical and non-surgical, however our first step needs to be asking ourself whether we have a problem or not. Impotence means the inability to achieve an erection which is hard enough and which maintains itself long enough to complete sexual intercourse satisfactorily. In other words, if your penis does not become rigid enough to allow vaginal penetration, you are impotent. If your erections have the necessary rigidity, but remain rigid for only a short time, then you may have an impotence problem. If you can see yourself in either of these descriptions then you may wish to take the first step, admit it to yourself, and begin to improve your situation and thereby your overall wellbeing. If you are highly motivated to resume sexual activity on a regular basis, are willing to learn new techniques and methods to help the situation and have the required conviction in the process which you undergo, then there is every chance that you will be successful in treating this problem.
The facts about erectionsWhen things go right:A successful erection relies upon the complicated co-ordinated actions of a healthy brain, supple blood vessels, fully functional nerves as well as the release of certain hormones. If there is a problem with just one of these, it may be difficult for the body to achieve a successful erection. Normally, when erotic stimulation is triggered by the five senses or by memory the erectile process begins and the nervous system responds by sending messages to and from the pelvic area. These chemical messages tell the smooth muscle tissue inside the penis to relax. The blood vessels dilate which allows more blood to flow into the two erectile bodies within the penis called the corpora cavernosa which capture more blood causing the penis to swell up and enlarge. When all of the spaces inside the penis become filled with blood it becomes rigid, and the strong pressure which is exerted against the veins in the penis prevent very much blood flowing outwards from the organ, thereby maintaining an erection until orgasm and ejaculation. When things go wrong: Contrary to what some people may believe impotence is not a disease but rather a secondary condition caused by other primary causes. In the past when men sought medical advice for erectile problems they were told it was because of ageing or psychological factors, and that there was thus no treatment for it. Today we know better.
There are four recognised causes of impotence:PsychologicalPhysical Psychological and physical Undiagnosed The major cause by far in around 85% of cases is physical, with around 10% psychological and the remainder undiagnosed. In cases where it is both psychological and physical the problem initially occurs as a physical condition but then due to self-imposed stress also becomes a psychological condition. Pure psychological impotence usually comes on quite suddenly and has nothing to do with physical causes. Very often there will be background environmental or emotional causes at the root of the problem, such as a new job, a move, problems within a relationship etc. Sometimes the desire to please one’s partner sexually and to “perform” can actually be the very cause of the problem. One footnote to the above: every man will experience some form of impotence in his life, usually only for short periods at a time. This is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about or necessarily seek treatment for, unless you find that the problem is persisting and/or affecting your normal lifestyle. For Further InformationDiagnosis
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