Erectile Dysfunction in Men

Erectile dysfunction ED  is a type of sexual dysfunction [ Impotence],  is a common problem among men and is characterized by the consistent inability to sustain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse or the inability to achieve ejaculation, or both. It is a male sexual dysfunction and expressed in the inability to have an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse.

ED is very common, although most men will not admit to having potency problems.

Various studies have shown that over half of all men over 40 have at least partial potency issues.
It is a well known fact that, a man is a sexual being. It is part of the natural make up of a man, right from conception, unto birth, and childhood, unto adulthood.

The sexuality of a man, is what also draw male babies, to suck very aggressively, even when they are at infancy. This also translates, into the genetic and skeletal make up of a man.

The bones at the lower  back of a man, lumbar, is endowed with muscle  strength to be able to perform the sexual act, easily, until ripe old age, if nothing occurs to hinder  his performance.

This condition can occur both in younger and older men.
Impotence can change a man’s life and affect his self-esteem. Note that aging isn’t one of the biggest causes of impotence. ED isn’t considered a natural part of aging. Many interventions exist that can help a man regain his sexual function.

How does sexual dysfunction affect men?

The most common problems related to sexual dysfunction in men include

• ejaculation disorders,

• erectile dysfunction and
• inhibited sexual desire. Inhibited sexual desire (reduced libido)

Inhibited desire, or loss of libido, refers to a decrease in desire for or interest in sexual activity. Reduced libido can result from physical or psychological factors. It has been associated with low levels of the hormone testosterone. It also may be caused by psychological problems, such as anxiety and depression; medical illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure; certain medications, including some anti-depressants; and relationship difficulties .

It is important for us to look at the possible cause of this disorder .

• Endocrine disease

The body’s endocrine system produces hormones that regulate metabolism, sexual function, reproduction, mood, and much more. Diabetes is an example of an endocrine disease that can cause men to experience impotence. Diabetes affects the body’s ability to utilize the hormone insulin. One of the side effects associated with chronic diabetes is nerve damage. This affects penis sensations. Other complications associated with diabetes are impaired blood flow and hormone levels. Both of these factors can contribute to impotence.

Neurological and Nerve Disorders
Several neurologic conditions can increase the risk for impotence. Nerve conditions affect the brain’s ability to communicate with the reproductive system. This can prevent a man from achieving an erection.

Neurological disorders associated with impotence include
• Alzheimer’s disease
• brain or spinal tumors
• multiple sclerosis
• stroke
• temporal lobe epilepsy
• Men who’ve had prostate gland surgery can also experience nerve damage that causes impotence.
Long-distance bicycle riders can also experience temporary impotence. This is because repeated pressure on the buttocks and genitals can affect the function of the nerves. .

Medications
Taking certain medications can affect blood flow, which can lead to ED. A man should never stop taking a medicine without his doctor’s permission, even if it’s known to cause impotence.
Erectile dysfunction can be embarrassing to think about, but the more you know, the better you can prevent it from happening and dealing with it when it does

Cardiac-Related Conditions
Conditions that affect the heart and its ability to pump blood well can cause impotence. Without enough blood flow to the penis, a man can’t achieve an erection.
Atherosclerosis, a condition that causes the blood vessels to become clogged, can cause impotence. High cholesterol and high blood pressure (hypertension) are also associated with increased risks for impotence.

Lifestyle Factors and Emotional conditions
Sexual  excitement is very important. To achieve an erection, a man  must first go through the excitement phase. This phase can be an emotional response. If a man has an emotional disorder, this affects his ability to become sexually excited.

Depression and anxiety are associated with increased risk for impotence. Depression is a feeling of sadness, loss of hope, or helplessness. Fatigue related to depression can also cause impotence.

Performance anxiety can be another cause of impotence. If a man wasn’t able to achieve an erection in the past, he may fear he won’t be able to achieve an erection in the future. A man may also find he can’t achieve an erection with a certain partner. A man with ED related to performance anxiety may be able to have full erections when masturbating or when sleeping, yet isn’t able to maintain an erection during intercourse.

Abuse of drugs like cocaine and amphetamines can also cause impotence. Alcohol abuse and alcoholism can also affect a man’s ability to achieve or maintain an erection. It is important that you see a doctor as soon as you suspect that you have a substance abuse problem.

What Is Impotence?
Impotence is a condition that affects a man’s ability to achieve or maintain an erection.
There can be several contributing factors to impotence. These include both emotional and physical disorders. An estimated 50 percent of men age 40 to 70 experience some erectile dysfunction (ED). Understanding the most common potential causes can help a man identify why he may be experiencing the condition. [ MERCK MANUAL].

Taking Medications
Taking certain medications can affect blood flow, which can lead to ED. A man should never stop taking a medicine without his doctor’s permission, even if it’s known to cause impotence.
disorder, this affects his ability to become sexually excited.
Depression and anxiety are associated with increased risk for impotence. Depression is a feeling of sadness, loss of hope, or helplessness. Fatigue related to depression can also cause impotence.

Diagnosis : How is male sexual dysfunction diagnosed?
The doctor likely will begin with a physical exam and a thorough history of symptoms. He or she may order other diagnostic tests to rule out any medical problems that may be contributing to the dysfunction. The doctor may refer the patient for consultations with other health care professionals, including an urologist (a doctor specializing in the urinary tract and male reproductive system), an endocrinologist (a doctor specializing in glandular disorders), a neurologist (a doctor specializing in disorders of the nervous system), sex therapists and other counselors.

Tests the doctor may use to help evaluate sexual dysfunction include

• Blood tests — These tests are done to evaluate hormone levels.

• Vascular assessment — This involves an evaluation of the blood flow to the penis. A blockage in a blood vessel supplying blood to the penis may be contributing to erectile dysfunction.

Sensory testing
• Nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity testing — This test is used to monitor erections that occur naturally during sleep. This test can help determine if a man’s erectile problems are due to physical or psychological causes. THIS IS THE MOST COMMON TEST, AND VERY ACCURATE. [Cleveland clinic].
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Treatment
How is male sexual dysfunction treated?
Many cases of sexual dysfunction can be corrected by treating the underlying physical or psychological problems. Treatment strategies may include the following:

• Medical treatment — This involves treatment of any physical problem that may be contributing to a man’s sexual dysfunction.

• Medications — New medications, such as Viagra™), (Levitra™), or l (Cialis™ ) may help improve sexual function in men by increasing blood flow to the penis. All these must only be taken, under strict doctor’s prescription.

• Amino acids : Amino acids are completely natural micronutrients, which have very significant benefits such as supporting hair growth, maintaining cartilage in joints (treating arthritis), improving circulation (e.g. in cases of Erectile Dysfunction), immunity, male fertility and many others – without side effects..  Arginine and zinc make sperm cells more resilient. “Men should ensure that they consume a balanced diet and get enough exercise”, The amino acid can have a positive effect on the dynamics and fitness of sperm cells. The trace element zinc also contributes to the resilience of these cells.

• Hormones — Men with low levels of testosterone may benefit from hormone injections. The use of a testosterone patch applied to the scrotum or other parts of the body. It is  to help increase testosterone levels to a normal range. Testosterone replacement by pills and implantable pellets also is being evaluated.

• Psychological therapy — Therapy with a trained counselor can help a person address feelings of anxiety, fear or guilt that may have an impact on sexual function.

• Mechanical aids — Aids such as vacuum devices and penile implants may help men with erectile dysfunction.

• Education and communication — Education about sex, and sexual behaviors and responses may help a man overcome his anxieties about sexual function. Open dialogue with your partner about your needs and concerns also helps to overcome many barriers to a healthy sex life.

• I would personally encourage that men should speak frankly to their wives, or partners, and tackle this problem together, as the results and response is usually quicker.
The wife, should be more understanding, and adventurous, while having  a sexual act with her beloved.