Impotency: A Treatable Sexual Problem
Impotency is a persistent inability to achieve as well as maintain erection while having sexual intercourse. As a person grows older, the condition becomes more acute. Although, the problem exists in females also, it is more common in males. It is regarded as one of the most common sexual problems affecting millions of people worldwide. The condition can vary. It can involve lack of ability to achieve an erection completely, ability to so sometimes or a tendency to achieve and sustain very brief erections. Erectile dysfunction and sexual dysfunction-male are alternative names of the condition.
Various Causes of Impotency
The process of erection entails interaction of nerves, brain, blood vessels and hormones; anything interferes with them, lead to erectile dysfunction. In many cases, physical factors are responsible and in some cases psychological factors cause impotency. Sometimes, a combination of both the factors is responsible for causing the sexual problem. Lets' discuss them one by one.
Physical causes
The common physical causes include:
- Surgery or radiation in pelvic area
Psychological causes
- Feeling guilt, anxious or depressed
Symptoms of Impotency
A person experiencing the problem of impotency may feel reduced sexual desire, trouble getting an erection or keeping it for a long time.
Treatments for Impotency
Impotence is one condition which can be treated successfully provided a person is ready to discuss the problem with the health expert. Most of the males feel embarrassed while discussing the problem with the expert and feel that the condition is untreatable. However, the fact is various advance treatments are available that treat the condition successfully.
Medication Treatment
Viagra is one of the most widely used medications for treating erectile dysfunction. It starts working effectively within an hour and remains effective for 3 to 4 hours. Cialis and Levitra are two other medications which are recommended by health experts. It is necessary to consult with experts before taking the medication and they should be taken in the manner as prescribed by them.
Other medications that are given for treating the condition are aiprostadil self-injection and aiprostadil penis suppository.
Vacuum Pump Treatment
A vacuum pump or penis pump is a hollow tube having battery-powered or hand-powered pump. After placing the tube over the penis, pump is used for sucking out the air inside the tube. This will help in creating a vacuum which pulls blood into the penis. At the base of the penis, a ring is applied on temporary basis to hold the blood. This further helps in sustaining the erection.
Psycho Sexual Therapy
It is believed that in 90% of cases, psychological factors are responsible for causing impotency. In such situation, seek the help of experienced counselor or therapist.
Hormone Treatment
Hormonal problems rarely cause impotency. Reduced level of male hormone testosterone is one of the common hormone abnormalities which can be restored with hormone replacement therapy. It is advised that if the tests confirm deficiency in male sex hormone testosterone, then only the therapy should be taken.
Penile Prosthesis Treatment
This is one of those forms of treatments which are opted when other forms of treatments have been tested and tried. This is also called as penile implants.
There are two types of penile implants.
- Semi-rigid: In this semi rigid rods are placed within the penis surgically. Penis remains rigid all the time. It can bend downwards when a person is not having sex.
- Hydraulic: A pump is implanted in the scrotum surgically which stiffens the penis as soon as it gets activated.
Prevention of Impotency
In many males, it has been observed that leading unhealthy lifestyle is one of the causes of impotency. So, considering the fact, assorted below are few things which help in preventing the sexual problem:
- If you are overweight, lose weight
- Do regular exercise for reducing stress and increasing blood flow
- Limit or avoid using alcohol
- Do not take illicit drugs
- If your marriage is going through rough patch due to communication or some other problem, opt for marriage counseling
At last, it can be said that impotence often becomes a source of emotional and mental stress for both the partners. So, do not hesitate to discuss the condition with health expert as, of late, a number of treatments are available to treat the condition.
Summary- Impotence is an inability to maintain or get firm enough erection for having satisfactory intercourse. Physical and psychological factors are responsible for causing the condition. The condition is easy to treat by taking a number of medications, therapies and incorporating small changes in lifestyle.
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last Updated: Jun 28, 2011