Although most men claim to have the “best” sex life during their early years, some who later develop impotence face a dire point in their lives. Impotence is a condition affecting men’s ability to reach or maintain an erection or to achieve ejaculation. This is a form of erectile dysfunction which is the root cause of unhappiness in some men.
There are various contributing factors for impotence among men which includes both physical and emotional disorders. Around 50% of men between the ages of 40-70 experience erectile dysfunction at some point. Remember that the risk increases with age.
Common causes of impotence among men
Lifestyle or emotional factors
Men achieve an erection by going through the excitement phase which is an emotional response. If one has an emotional disorder, it affects the ability to achieve sexual excitement. Anxiety and depression often have a link with the risk for impotence.
In some cases, performance anxiety is also another cause. If a person cannot achieve an erection in the past, there is a fear of not being able to achieve one in the future. In such cases, the person cannot achieve an erection with a partner.
Abuse of certain drugs such as amphetamines and cocaine can also result in impotence. Even excessive intake of alcoholic beverages can disrupt the capability to attain or sustain an erection.
Endocrine diseases
The endocrine system generates hormones that control metabolism, reproduction, sexual function, mood and many more. It has a multi-functional role which also has a role during sexual activity.
Diabetes is a common type of endocrine disease that can lead to impotence among men. Diabetes can affect the ability of the body to utilize the hormone insulin. One of the potential effects that have a link with a chronic case of diabetes is nerve damage which affects penile sensations. Other complications include poor blood flow and erratic hormone levels which both contribute to impotence.
Nerve and neurological disorders
Various neurological conditions increase the risk for impotence among men. The nerve conditions affect the ability of the brain to communicate with the reproductive system. Sad to say that this prevents men from achieving an erection.
Some of these neurological conditions include:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Stroke
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Brain or spinal tumors
Men who engage in long-distance cycling might also experience brief impotence. This is due to the repetitive pressure on the genitals and buttocks which disrupts with the functioning of the nerves.
Certain medications
Using some medications disrupt the blood flow which eventually leads to erectile dysfunction. A word of advice – do not stop using a medication without consulting a doctor, even if it is known to cause impotence.
Some of the drugs that can cause impotence among men are the following:
- Beta-blockers such as metoprolol and carvedilol
- Alpha-adrenergic blockers including tamsulosin
- Central nervous system depressants such as diazepam, alprazolam, and codeine
- Cancer chemotherapy drugs such as cimetidine
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac
- Diuretics such as spironolactone and furosemide
- Synthetic hormones such as leuprolide
Ailments that affect the heart and its capability to pump blood is also a cause for impotence among men. If there is a poor flow of blood to the penis, erection is not possible.
If diagnosed with atherosclerosis which is a condition where there is blockage of the blood vessels, impotence is likely. Having high cholesterol or high blood pressure also increases the risk.
Is treatment available?
Luckily, if the condition starts to disrupt with performance, it is not the end of the road in achieving an erection. There are available treatment options for impotence which includes natural remedies, prescription medications, and lifestyle modifications.
Lifestyle changes
If impotence is due to a physical or emotional issue, there are simple lifestyle changes that can lessen the struggle with erectile dysfunction.
Some of these lifestyle modifications include:
- Reduce the level of stress or anxiety
- Cessation or limit smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages
- Improving communication in a relationship
- Regular exercise and a healthy diet
Prescription medications
Different medical treatments can help with impotence. If the condition is troublesome, it is best to consult a doctor so that the appropriate treatment option can be started.
Some of the drugs and medical interventions that the doctor might suggest the following:
Tadalafil (Cialis)- Sildenafil (Viagra)
- Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn)
- Blood vessel surgery
- Replacement of testosterone
- Psychological counseling
Tadalafil (Cialis)Natural remedies
For those who do not prefer prescription medications or interventions, there are several natural remedies that can be used.
Some of these alternative or natural remedies include:
- Ginseng
- Acupuncture
- Pomegranate juice
Before using any of these natural remedies, consult a doctor first.
Prevention
Despite the various causes of impotence, there are several measures that can prevent it from developing. Above all, a healthy lifestyle is always the best approach.
Some of these preventive measures include:
- Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and smoking
- Do not use any prohibited drugs
- Engage in physical activity or exercise which lowers the risk
- Healthy diet
- Lower the level of stress or anxiety
- Follow a regular sleeping schedule
Outlook
Impotence can be a major issue among men since it drastically affects sexual performance. Not only it affects the quality of life but also lowers self-esteem.
Even though aging often has a link with erectile dysfunction, the aging process is not essentially the main cause but only one of the risk factors. In some men, they do not even struggle with impotence. Although erectile dysfunction has a detrimental impact on sex life, it can be treated. Several interventions are available which helps a person regain their sexual function which includes medications, natural remedies, and lifestyle modifications.
Since impotence might be an indication of an underlying health condition, it is best to set an appointment with a doctor for further assessment if it becomes a continuous issue even if stress might be a possible cause.
With the wide selection of treatment options available for impotence, you can find the right one that will restore sexual performance on the right track.
