What is it ???

Impotence is a medical condition that affects a male’s ability to get or sustain an erection. It is often called erectile dysfunction, as it usually only affects erectile ability, which distinguishes it from other male sexual problems of both physical and psychological natures. Causes of impotence are typically physical, but in some cases it may also be caused or aggravated by psychological issues.

CAUSES???

Impotence is a medical condition that affects a male’s ability to get or sustain an erection. It is often called erectile dysfunction, as it usually only affects erectile ability, which distinguishes it from other male sexual problems of both physical and psychological natures. Causes of impotence are typically physical, but in some cases it may also be caused or aggravated by psychological issues. Medical treatment for this problem is now widely available, and widely used.

Psychological  causes???

- Stress and anxiety
- Fear of failure
- Problems with your relationship

Some people may wonder why they need to take medicines for a condition that doesn’t have symptoms and doesn’t appear to affect their quality of life. Your doctor is aware of this and will try to avoid treatments that make you feel bad or interfere with your lifestyle. Although taking medication may seem like a chore, it is being prescribed to prevent serious illness or even death. Always take medicines according to instructions, and do not stop taking them abruptly as this can cause problems. If you have any questions about your medicine, always ask your doctor.

Impotence can nearly always be treated – 95 percent of men find a suitable treatment. The simplest are talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, and medicines.If the cause is mainly because you are anxious or are having relationship difficulties, then talking to a counsellor or psychosexual therapist will probably be most helpful for you.

Risk factors ??

1. Chronic health conditions

People suffering from chronic diseases have a high risk of erectile dysfunction. Chronic diseases such as:
a) Heart diseases are caused by cholesterol building up in the arteries and blood vessel resulting in inadequate blood flow into the penis.
b) Diabetes with unhealthy diet causes high levels of glucose build-up in the bloodstream resulting in narrowed arteries and blood vessels that prevent adequate blood from entering the penis.
c) Prostate enlargement and chronic prostate: Inflammation of the prostate also reduces the blood flow entering the penis resulting in erectile dysfunction.
Other chronic diseases affecting organs like the lung, liver, and kidney also can lead to erectile dysfunction because of inflammation, inadequate blood flow or hormonal imbalance.

2. Aging

Aging results in more testosterone to be converted to dihydro-testosterone causing erections to take longer to develop and to need more direct touch to the penis.

3. Nerve damage

It is obvious that any damage to the nerve that directly controls erections can cause temporarily erectile dysfunction.

4. Medication

The side effects of some medications used to treat high blood pressure, depression, and prostate enlarged may interfere with nerve impulses and reducing the blood flow to the penis.

5. Prolong cycling

Prolong cycling over an extended period and pressure from a bicycle seat compresses nerves and blood flow to the penis, leading to temporary erectile dysfunction.

6. Psychological conditions

Other psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety and stress also contributes to some cases of erectile dysfunction.

7. Substance abuse

Substance abuse such as smoking, alcohol, marijuana or other drugs often causes erectile dysfunction.
There are many other risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides that can cause erectile dysfunction.

Treatment ???

1)Sexual counselling

2)Oral Medication :

The introduction of Viagra by Pfizer in March, 1998,, marked the beginning of a revolution in the oral medical management of erectile dysfunction (ED, E.D., impotence). The launch of Viagra was soon followed by that of Levitra and Cialis. Other (even better) drugs are in the pipeline.Effective oral medication has re-written the management of ED and is effective in nearly 70 – 75 % of cases. Several internet resources are available for more detailed information about these drugs and these will not be discussed in detail here.

3)Hormone Replacement therapy:

Testosterone is the major male hormone that gives men their sexual characteristics (deep voice, beard, chest hair). As men age, their level of testosterone decreases (andropause) and this may have an adverse effect on sexual performance. In proven cases of andropause, testosterone preparations may enhance potency and improve sex drive. However, this therapy must be only offered under expert medical supervision because many side effects can occur.

4)External Vaccum Devices

vacuum device, and one or more tension rings. This therapy is purported to be effective for over 90% of the men who use it. In fact, most can technically master its use in one day, and can use it to maintain erections for up to 30 minutes, even after ejaculation and/or orgasm.

Prevention  of Impotence????

There is no specific treatment to prevent impotence. Perhaps the most important measure is to maintain general good health and avoid atherosclerosis by exercising regularly, controlling weight, controlling hypertension and high cholesterol levels, and avoiding smoking. Avoiding excessive alcohol intake may also help.