For men at any age, the diagnosis of “impotence” almost sounds like a death sentence. Representatives of the stronger sex experience the loss of sexual power extremely painfully, which only aggravates the condition of erectile dysfunction and simultaneously adds a lot of other problems of a physical and emotional nature. In rare cases, sexual impotence strikes like an avalanche, suddenly and globally. Much more often the body gives alarm bells, and if you notice them in time and react to the first signs of impotence, you may never experience what it is like personally.
Features of physiology and nature of erection
The internal structure of the male genital organ is quite simple. Along the entire penis in the center runs the urethra or urethra, which carries urine out, and during orgasm is a duct for seminal fluid (ejaculate). It cannot simultaneously serve as a conductor for urine and sperm, since these two fluids are in different “depots”, the exits of which are unconsciously blocked by muscle rings depending on the situation.
Around the urethra there are cylindrical corpus cavernosum and corpus spongiosum. True to their name, these fabrics have a porous structure. When the penis is at rest, they occupy little volume. But when an impulse of excitement arises in the brain and a command is received to create an erection, blood flows to the penis in a large volume and the cells and veins of these bodies, filled with it, increase in volume, due to which it becomes longer and thicker, and acquires hardness.
When an erection occurs, the sciatic muscles contract at the base of the penis and block the reverse flow of blood from it. The muscles themselves do not create a “bone-on,” but without their participation the required hardness of the male genital organ, which allows insertion and friction, will not be achieved. With these back-and-forth movements, the nerve endings are irritated and when the climax occurs, the muscles of the penis push the ejaculate, which has previously traveled from the testicles to the urethra, to the urethra.
Video on the topic
Erectile dysfunction (ED), synonymous with impotence, sexual weakness, impotence, is a common type of sexual disorder, manifested by the inability of the penis to achieve and maintain an erection. The penis does not increase in volume and does not gain elasticity sufficient for full coitus (sexual intercourse).
Depending on the etiology and pathogenesis (causes, conditions and mechanisms of development) of the disease, all cases of impotence are divided into four groups: psychogenic, organic, mixed type and other forms (arising for unknown reasons) . Each type of erectile dysfunction has its own dominant symptoms and characteristics of the course of the disorder. At the same time, in individual patients, signs of impotence can be expressed with different intensity.
General characteristics of the concept of impotence
Violation of any stage of the above processes can become one of the causes of erectile dysfunction. But since arousal begins its journey with an impulse in the brain, disruptions may occur on the path from the head to the genitals. Erection disorders, if they are of a somatic nature, are not autonomous; impaired functioning of the sexual organ is certainly tied to other pathological processes occurring in the body.
If the normal functioning of the reproductive system, including the penis, as well as the desire and ability to perform sexual intercourse is called potency, then impotence is the opposite condition. If men have no desire to have sex, then they talk about loss of libido or sexual desire. At the same time, all their opportunities for this action are in order, they just lack interest. Impotence is a state of the body in which desire may be very present (overtly or hidden behind fears and worries), but it cannot be realized.
A characteristic feature of most men is to put off visiting the hospital for as long as possible; many prefer to pretend for as long as possible that the problem does not exist. But the sooner the patient sees a urologist and undergoes an examination, the less time it will take for the joy of full sexual intercourse to return.
Diagnosis of impotence
A specialist makes a diagnosis of “erectile dysfunction” if a man is unable to maintain an erection in more than 25% of his sexual intercourse.
To determine the reasons why this condition arose, experts first of all exclude a number of diseases: hypogonadism , diabetes mellitus , prolactinoma and other ailments. Using ultrasound, you can assess the level of blood flow into the cavernous bodies of the penis, determine how complete the venous outflow is, identify signs of atherosclerosis , and determine the condition of erectile tissue. The patient is initially injected with prostaglandin , which causes an erection, after which ultrasound examinations are carried out.
Another method for diagnosing the functional state of the nerves of the penis is testing the bulbocavernosus reflex . To do this, the specialist presses on the head of the penis. Under normal conditions, this action should cause the anus to contract.
The presence of problems with erection is also indicated by the absence of spontaneous erection during sleep. In a normal state, a man experiences such an erection periodically. Using a special sensitive sensor that registers the presence of a nocturnal erection technique, specialists record its presence or absence.
Penile sensitivity can also be assessed using penile biothesiometry . This method is based on the use of vibration to assess the sensitivity of the penis.
Why do erectile problems occur?
Most often, a comprehensive examination reveals the following causes of impotence:
- disturbances in brain activity;
- genetic diseases, such as Down syndrome;
- disturbances in the functioning of the central nervous system;
- pathological conditions of veins and blood vessels;
- hormonal imbalances;
- diabetes;
- inflammatory process in the prostate;
- untreated sexually transmitted infections;
- injuries of the genital organs, spine;
- bad habits and poor lifestyle hygiene;
- stress.
Often, impotence can occur in men with a certain neuropsychiatric character type or as a result of the use of various medications or poisoning of the body with toxic substances.
Symptoms of psychological impotence
Impaired potency, due to mental problems, is diagnosed when sexual weakness in healthy, young guys occurs against the background of psychological stress. Constant stress, physical and mental overstrain, psychological trauma, nervousness are the main causes of the psychological form of sexual impotence. The disease is accompanied by the following group of symptoms:
- Lack of sexual desire.
- Difficulty or complete impossibility of achieving orgasm.
- Depressed libido.
- Premature ejaculation or its complete absence.
- Worsening of the condition during stressful situations.
- Aggressiveness. An impotent person will strive to maintain a full-fledged masculine image with his behavior, so he can behave harshly and unrestrainedly.
Types of erectile dysfunction
Impotence is divided into types depending on the causes of its occurrence:
- Organic . With this form, symptoms of erectile dysfunction do not occur spontaneously and are progressive. At the same time, libido is preserved, and the amount of sperm during orgasm corresponds to the average statistical norms (2-5 ml). Problems during sexual intercourse occur in any environment and do not depend on external factors. There are no erections that occur at night or in the morning, as well as spontaneous ones. At the same time, there is no relationship between the appearance of a sexual problem and the conflict between partners that precedes it.
- Psychological . This impotence goes well with the presence of erections in the morning and at night. Violation of sexual function occurs abruptly, simultaneously, and it can be easy to trace that before this the man had some kind of emotional incident. For example, due to fatigue or stress, “I didn’t get hard,” and my partner rudely and sharply commented on the failure, as a result, an erection does not occur. Sometimes, when the situation or partner changes, the problem disappears, and upon returning to familiar conditions it reappears.
- Mixed . In this type, organic impotence is aggravated by psychological experiences and barriers, which further aggravate the situation.
If a man has never had an erection in his entire life and has never had sexual intercourse, because of this they say that impotence is primary, in all other cases it is secondary.
What to do at the first signs of impotence?
If the first signs were noticed in a timely manner, the problem of impotence can be solved without the help of special medications. Treatment of impotence in this case involves adjusting your lifestyle. But, nevertheless, it is recommended to visit a specialist to make sure there are no infectious diseases or inflammatory processes in the pelvic area.
In the practice of urologists, there are very often cases of getting rid of impotence due to a change in lifestyle. First of all, it is giving up bad habits. Nicotine and alcohol are the worst enemies of male power. Also, a sedentary lifestyle is unacceptable. Regular exercise helps normalize blood circulation, get rid of excess body weight, and the functioning of the central nervous system. The most popular sports for potency are: swimming, football, basketball, running, short-term cycling.
Of course, at the first signs of impotence, it is worth adjusting your diet. Every man’s menu should include foods rich in zinc, selenium, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamins B, A, E. The following can boast of this composition:
- Seafood;
- Sour cream;
- Greenery;
- Lean meats;
- Fresh vegetables and fruits;
- Green onions;
- Garlic;
- Nuts;
- Honey;
- Mango;
- Bananas.
Fast foods and semi-finished products are strictly prohibited for consumption. Fatty fried foods, pickles, smoked foods, sweets, coffee, sugar will also harm male potency. By following a healthy lifestyle, the first signs of impotence will disappear on their own. Therefore, to maintain a full erection for many years, you need to eat a balanced diet and exercise. Don't forget about getting a full eight hours of sleep. It is during sleep that all systems and organs of the body are restored.
For men at any age, the diagnosis of “impotence” almost sounds like a death sentence. Representatives of the stronger sex experience the loss of sexual power extremely painfully, which only aggravates the condition of erectile dysfunction and simultaneously adds a lot of other problems of a physical and emotional nature. In rare cases, sexual impotence strikes like an avalanche, suddenly and globally. Much more often the body gives alarm bells, and if you notice them in time and react to the first signs of impotence, you may never experience what it is like personally.
At what age does impotence occur?
The good news is that in medicine there is no fixed age barrier, after which men will inevitably experience sexual impotence and impotence. It is quite possible to maintain sexual activity until a very old age, if you set such a goal in time and make an effort.
One of the most important male sex hormones is testosterone. It is under its influence that the embryo turns into a boy, and the boy then transforms into a man. This androgen is produced in the adrenal glands and testicles. It is also present in the female body, but in much smaller quantities. Testosterone gives the stronger sex broad shoulders, hair on the face and body, narrow hips, a low voice, a desire for leadership, aggressiveness, desire and the ability to copulate with women.
The maximum level of the hormone in the body of men is found in the period of 14-22 years, and starting from 30 it slowly but steadily decreases and so on throughout life. If you try to maintain its level high enough, then impotence and loss of libido caused by a lack of testosterone do not threaten. You can check the indicators by indirect signs or by donating blood for an appropriate analysis.
Regular strength training, a balanced diet, adherence to sleep and rest patterns, as well as regular sex life have a positive effect on androgen levels. Drug increases in hormone levels are indicated in critical situations and only under the supervision and prescription of a doctor.
IMPORTANT! Impotence, which is caused by somatic, infectious and psychological reasons, does not have a specific age and can affect men at any age.
Who is at risk
First of all, these are men who lead an unhealthy lifestyle. Smoking, alcohol and drugs are the first enemies of healthy and long-term potency. These harmful habits can, in a matter of years, ruin the most magnificent potential given by nature and ancestors.
- Tobacco reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood, which negatively affects the breathing of all cells of the body, from the brain, where command impulses are formed, to the cells of the genital organ. In addition to this, the heart loses tone, copes with stress less easily, blood vessels lose elasticity and narrow, which also causes impotence.
- Alcohol also negatively affects the state of the cardiovascular system; when drinking strong drinks for an hour, the functioning of the nervous system is disrupted, nerve endings are dulled, and blood clots form. The combination of a glass with a cigarette is especially dangerous. In addition, beer and other bar products stimulate the production of estrogen in men, a testosterone antagonist. The natural balance of hormones is disrupted, which leads to impotence and decreased libido.
- The fight against excess weight plays an important role in preventing impotence. On the one hand, it increases the overall load on the body: joints, liver, kidneys, heart muscle, veins, lungs. On the other hand, the female sex hormone estrogen is synthesized in adipose tissue, which in large quantities harms men.
Impotence may occur in men who do not know how to relax and live in a state of chronic stress. The modern “male” faces no fewer situations in which adrenaline is released than his cave ancestor. But if he had options to run or fight, during which adrenaline played in his favor, increasing speed or strength, then today, after a stressful situation on the road or in the boss’s office, both options look like they’re not very good. A person pushes emotions inside, where they continue to boil for a long time, feeding him with chemicals that are unnecessary in this case.
Not finding a natural outlet, these hormones become the cause of many diseases, including impotence, early heart attacks, and strokes. The most correct decision would be to go to the gym after a busy day at work and burn off the adrenaline there. Useful in any way. Another option is to learn not to take such situations to heart and immediately put them out of your head. Don’t pretend that everything is fine, but really step over and forget. The same applies to any work and personal situations; you should not bring problems with your boss home, or problems with your wife or children to work. If possible, it is worth making every effort to resolve the conflict and remove it from among the irritating factors.
This is interesting! Impotence is more common among knowledge workers than among those who are accustomed to making a living through physical work. Office workers account for 70% of those suffering from erectile dysfunction.
Why does impotence develop?
All signs of impotence directly depend on the causes of the disease. Erectile dysfunction is physiological, psychological, or mixed in nature. Having already noticed some signs that precede impotence, you can first determine the root cause and begin the correct treatment of possible erectile dysfunction. It is worth considering in more detail all types of impotence.
Signs of psychological impotence
Impotence against the background of psychoemotional disorders is always accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Insomnia;
- Increased fatigue;
- High susceptibility to stressful situations;
- General malaise;
- Depression;
- Decreased libido.
These factors contribute to troubles at work. Lack of proper rest has a detrimental effect on the functioning of the brain and central nervous system. Full potency and erection depend on them. Frequent conflicts in the family can also provoke impotence. A man may lose interest in a woman due to scandals.
Excessive physical and mental stress also leads to erectile dysfunction. Having sexual intercourse may be impossible due to long-standing psychological distress. Thus, sudden impotence develops against the background of an unsuccessful first sexual experience. Some young people suffer from the “first meeting” syndrome. This disorder is characterized by the inability to have first sexual intercourse with a woman. All subsequent attempts at intimacy with this girl will be successful.
Vascular impotence
This type of impotence is the most common among physiological causes. The fact is that good vascular permeability is very important for normal potency. When arousal is stimulated, there is an active flow of blood to the cavernous bodies of the penis. The outflow of this blood through the veins is automatically blocked. This allows you to have full sexual intercourse. If any of the mechanisms is disrupted, impotence begins to develop.
If the flow is poor, it is impossible to achieve the required erection. If there is a premature outflow of blood, arousal occurs, but immediately disappears even before the end of sexual intercourse. At the same time, the following first signs are observed that contribute to the appearance of impotence: high blood pressure, anemia, congestion in the pelvic organs, inflammation of the prostate gland, arrhythmia, heart disease.
Signs of endocrine impotence
The endocrine system is responsible for the body's hormonal levels. When this system is dysfunctional, a serious hormonal imbalance is observed. In the male body, first of all, there is a decrease in the synthesis of the male sex hormone testosterone. Low testosterone levels are a direct path to impotence. Endocrine disorders are often accompanied by various diseases. An endocrinological disease such as diabetes mellitus poses a danger to male potency. If insulin production is disrupted, the entire hormonal balance is disrupted. Also, deterioration in the condition of blood vessels is considered characteristic of diabetes.
Signs of anatomically caused impotence
Experts often observe impotence in young people due to certain anatomical features. Abnormal development of the genital organs leads to erectile dysfunction. Thus, the curvature of the penis causes great discomfort to a man and pain during arousal. Thus, a representative of the stronger sex can consciously refuse sexual intercourse. Pain is caused by hernias in the scrotum, short frenulum, and other defects of the penis. This also includes a disease such as priapism. In this case, an erection occurs, but despite this, sexual intercourse is impossible. The erection is too long and very painful. Only a doctor can eliminate an erection by administering a special drug.
Signs and symptoms of impotence
Organic impotence is characteristic of men in that the body begins to show alarming symptoms long before the onset of complete erectile dysfunction. It is important to understand that a fiasco in sexual life can await anyone and, most likely, more than once. Most often there are reasons for this: fatigue, previous illness, excessive anxiety before sexual intercourse, etc. But if these phenomena become regular and, even more so, progress, then it is necessary not to ignore the problems, but to go to a urologist.
Men should be especially wary of:
- Difficulties with the onset of an erection, which arise during a state of arousal in any conditions (regardless of the time of day, place, etc.).
- Insufficient hardness of the genital organ, which interferes with or complicates insertion into the vagina.
- Complete or partial loss of erection during friction.
- Premature (in comparison with personal norms) ejaculation.
- Decreased amount of seminal fluid released during orgasm.
- Dulling of sensations from orgasm during stimulation of the genital organ.
- Painful manifestations during sexual intercourse in the area of the penis, pelvis, and perineum.
- Decreased interest in sexual life in all forms (contacts, fantasies, masturbation, etc.) or its complete absence, disgust.
- Absence or fading of spontaneous, morning, night erections.
Each of these symptoms can be a harbinger of impending impotence. It is even more necessary to pay attention to the signs if there are two or more of them.
How to check if a man is impotent?
Take the test online
*The questionnaire does not replace consultation with a specialist
Diagnostics
Statistics show that only every tenth man who experiences difficulties with potency consults a doctor. This is due to a psychological barrier, a reluctance to admit one’s problem.
Erectile dysfunction requires a comprehensive diagnosis. It begins with collecting an anamnesis of illness and life. The patient needs to fill out a special questionnaire that contains only 5 questions. This IIEF-5 form (International Index of Erectile Dysfunction) is necessary to assess the degree of impotence and select treatment.
An important point in diagnosing erectile dysfunction is assessing the psychological state of a man. The specialist finds out the nature of the relationship with the sexual partner, the reaction of both parties to impotence.
When collecting a medical history, the doctor must be informed about the following facts:
- regularly taking any medications;
- past illnesses, injuries, surgical interventions;
- bad habits;
- features of professional activity;
- relationships with a sexual partner, in the family.
During the diagnosis, the doctor must conduct a physical examination. This is done to assess the patient’s physique, identify secondary sexual characteristics, and symptoms of impaired thyroid function (hair loss, pulse rate changes, dermatological problems).
The external genitalia must be examined. This is important for assessing the condition of the scrotum and identifying possible changes in the shape of the penis.
Diagnosis of erectile dysfunction also involves a rectal digital examination to assess the condition of the prostate gland. This makes it possible to identify its inflammation (not in all cases).
To diagnose impotence, a number of laboratory and instrumental studies are necessary:
- blood tests - assessment of glucose levels, lipid profile, testosterone (total, bioavailable, free), luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone;
- urine analysis - general assessment, identification of the inflammatory process;
- cavernosography (angiographic study) - assessment of the vessels of the penis;
- cavernosometry – pressure inside the corpora cavernosa of the penis is measured during infusion;
- ultrasound scanning of the penis, scrotum, prostate gland (transrectal examination);
- electromyography;
- NEVA – monitoring of nocturnal penile tumescences (spontaneous erections).
The list of necessary diagnostic measures depends on the individual characteristics of the case. Other tests may be needed to determine the underlying cause of erectile dysfunction.
Help in treating impotence
At the current level of medicine, a diagnosis of impotence is not a cross for the future life of men. Treatment of erectile dysfunction is successful in 90% of cases. Depending on the specific situation and cause of the disease, the doctor selects the optimal treatment regimen, which may include several methods simultaneously:
- Taking medications whose action is aimed at treating diseases that have become the basis for the occurrence of impotence (neurological, inflammation, etc.);
- Hormonal therapy;
- Vacuum therapy;
- Vein surgery;
- Phytotherapy;
- Taking medications that stimulate erection (Viagra, Impaza, etc.);
- Endoprosthetics of the male genital organ.
- Massage and physical therapy;
- Shock wave therapy;
- Psychotherapy.
An important point in the treatment of impotence is the choice of not only a qualified doctor, but also one with whom the patient can establish friendly and trusting contact, because for men this is a very difficult and acute moment in life, requiring a particularly delicate approach. The sooner signs of impotence in men are identified, the less time it will take to restore sexual power.
Prevention of impotence
In order to prevent the occurrence of impotence, it is very important for a man to adhere to the principles of a healthy lifestyle, monitor a balanced daily diet, constantly exercise and monitor his health. A very important point in the process of preventing impotence is giving up smoking, drugs, and alcohol abuse.
You should not use medications that can cause erectile dysfunction as a side effect. If such drugs must still be taken, then such a course of treatment should be carried out only under the supervision of a doctor.
Some experts argue that sexual function is positively affected by regular sexual activity without too much abstinence or excess.
If you receive injuries to the pelvis or perineum, you should immediately consult a urologist. Such regular consultations are also important for patients with hypertension or diabetes.
It is important to avoid regular stressful situations and try to constantly have healthy sleep. Anxiety and depression should also be corrected immediately.
Diagnostic methods
The primary diagnosis of signs of impotence consists of interviewing the patient and examination by an appropriate specialist. The following types of research are distinguished:
- An ultrasound examination allows you to check the flow of blood into the genital organ and possible disturbances during the process. To perform the technique, a substance called prostaglandin is used, which causes an erection and shows deviations from the norm;
- the use of special equipment to fix an erection at night;
- MRI as a study of the structure of the genital organ;
- determination of the ratio of hormones in the body;
- donation of sperm for further study of the spermogram.
Folk remedies
Sexual incompetence in men can be corrected using traditional medicine, but this method should be chosen as an additional measure to the main treatment with medications.
Let's look at some of the most interesting recipes:
- Ginger can increase potency; it can be used in different ways: drink tea or alcohol tincture prepared from this plant, or take a bath with its addition. It is preferable to use dry ginger, since it is in this form that the raw material has the maximum number of beneficial properties. If you add a teaspoon of crushed root to tea, you will get an excellent remedy that will provide the necessary help in the presence of erectile dysfunction. To make the tincture, you will need a kilogram of grated ginger root added to a liter of vodka. The liquid steeped for half a month should be filled with 300 ml of alcohol and wait a few more weeks. After this, it is recommended to take the resulting product 10 drops immediately before bed.
- Ginseng root also helps restore lasting potency. Using it, you can prepare a tincture: you need to take a small amount of grated root and add 3 liters of alcohol. After infusing the mixture for 3 weeks and pre-straining it, you can start using it: drink 25 drops three times a day half an hour before meals.
- Celery juice helps improve intimate male potential, it is recommended to drink 7 ml 3 times a day before each meal.
- Walnuts are real helpers in restoring potency; they should be consumed daily if you have a sexual disorder. The scheme is as follows: 250 g of nuts, divided into several portions, should be eaten throughout the day, washing down each portion with a glass of goat milk. You can use a combination of walnuts and honey: combine the two components and take the resulting pulp for one month, 3 times a day, 10 g.
Some herbs that need to be used to prepare medicinal decoctions can also eliminate a problem such as erectile dysfunction. This could be oak bark: 20 g of this raw material should be poured with a liter of boiled water and boiled for another 40 minutes in a water bath. It is recommended to take this drink 2 times a day, 250 ml. A special herbal mixture helps well, which should include an equal amount of mint, clover and nettle (5 spoons are enough). The plants must be poured with a liter of boiling water, then let the resulting liquid steep for about 20 minutes. You should drink the decoction three times a day, one glass.
What it is
Impotence is the inability to have an erection, which results in the inability to have sexual intercourse.
The disease occurs for a number of reasons, but many believe that psychological problems contribute to the appearance of impotence at a young age.
Prevalence and significance
The prevalence of impotence is increasing every year. According to statistics, today 21% of men suffer from impotence before reaching the age of thirty. 28% of men under 40 also experience sexual impotence, and under 50 – half of the male population. These numbers are truly colossal.
Risk factors
In fact, impotence is inherent in people who are emotionally and psychologically unstable in relationships with others, especially with women. Insecure men who are afraid of relationships, being rejected and laughed at are at risk.
The disease can also affect those who do not take care of their health - people with problems with blood vessels, blood circulation, heart, those who often experience abstinence, have an unstable sex life.
Testing the innervation of the genital organ
One of the methods for determining the degree of impotence is to conduct a bulbocavernosus reflex regarding the innervation of the genital organ. The essence of the process is based on squeezing the penis and recording the number of contractions of the anal sphincter.
The norm is the manifestation of an instant reaction in the form of sharp contractions. If there are problems, then the degree of decrease in erection is determined in combination with other signs of the emerging pathology. For a more accurate diagnosis, special testing is carried out using all necessary means.
Age range for impotence
For the male half of the population, the issue of maintaining erectile function is an important priority, since this is the basis for a man’s confidence and self-sufficiency. In most cases, the occurrence of impotence largely depends on lifestyle and the absence of bad habits, and the presence of genetic predisposition.
Experts consider the main period of sexual activity to be the period of puberty until ejaculation stops. A decrease in erection most often begins to appear in men after 45 years, since at this time there is a slowdown in testosterone production, which leads to disruption of the reproductive system.
Treatment of impotence11
Treatment is provided by endocrinologists, psychotherapists, and andrologists. No “healers with drops” or “women who know how to increase a husband’s potency” can help here. The fact is that modern evidence-based medicine is many times ahead of all these exercises, and even if it is a little more expensive than another dietary supplement with arginine, it helps.
Tip: arginine, which improves blood circulation, can be bought for pennies at any sports nutrition store. And next door in the pharmacy there is ginseng tincture. The combination of both components will help if you still have an erection but have already become sluggish.
What is impotence
Impotence (erectile dysfunction, sexual impotence) is an erectile dysfunction , which consists of insufficient penis size for sexual intercourse. Impotence also includes a disorder that is characterized by the fading of an erection during sexual intercourse. At the same time, a man experiences attraction to women , that is, his libido does not fade away.
Note! Sexual dysfunction is not an independent pathology. Its appearance is due to changes in the normal functioning of the male body. Therefore, treatment most often requires examination of the entire body.
Drug treatment
According to the method of use, medicines are divided into three groups:
- Urethral preparations. They are inserted into the urethra immediately before sexual intercourse. Rectal suppositories will have a similar effect;
- Injections into the penis. They cause the penis to expand and quickly fill with blood. In this case, the erection lasts at least an hour.
- Oral medications for impotence. The most popular and provide a lasting effect. Provide good blood filling and replenish vitamin deficiencies.
Also effective are synthetic drugs that suppress the production of a substance that provokes premature completion of sexual intercourse. They provide good blood supply to the penis and thereby support sexual arousal. Such drugs have proven themselves to be excellent support for men over 50 years of age.
Dietary supplements of plant origin work well on the problem. They improve blood circulation, vitality, normalize the functioning of the central nervous system and increase libido.
Primary manifestations of psychogenic erectile dysfunction in young people
Statistics show that in less than 70 years, the problem of erectile dysfunction has become significantly younger. If in the 50s the percentage of men aged 30 with such a disorder was only one, then in modern society this figure has exceeded 20%. This is the result of the lifestyle of a modern person with all the accompanying circumstances.
Signs of impotence in young people are not much different from those indicated above, except for their early manifestation. However, it is worth noting an important point. In most situations, the cause of such a disorder is not organic pathology, but the negative impact of stress. Young people are now busy building their own careers. They work day and night in stressful conditions, and this affects their health.
The symptoms of psychological impotence are approximately the same as in the usual case, however, there are some nuances:
- Problems begin suddenly, as if “on a click”. This is due to the body’s reflexive desire to protect itself from the negative influence of the environment.
- Spontaneous manifestations of erection persist at night and in the morning. This confirms that the reproductive system can function adequately, but not under such conditions.
- When the situation changes or personal relationships normalize, the problem goes away on its own.
- Erectile dysfunction can be temporary, and when the stress factor is eliminated, sexual activity often resumes.
As you can see, the symptoms of psychogenic erectile dysfunction are caused by an external factor that can be corrected. However, changing jobs or simply disconnecting from the worries of the day can sometimes be impossible.
Therefore, to overcome this problem, you often need the help of a psychologist or sex therapist, who can find out the cause and offer appropriate treatment.
Symptoms of potency disorders
A man may not realize that disruptions in his sexual sphere are not accidental and that negative changes are already occurring in his body.
The main symptoms of impotence are:
- lack of erection or decreased erection. Even if a man desires sexual intercourse, he cannot bring his penis into a state of tension. Or, perhaps, the penis loses hardness right during sexual intercourse, so it is not possible to complete the act with orgasm;
- insufficient erection. In certain circumstances, the penis increases in size, but remains soft and cannot be inserted into the vagina;
- disappearing erection. The penis reaches the required hardness and increases in size, but quickly becomes flaccid and sexual intercourse is impossible;
- sexual intercourse does not bring pleasure, sensory sensations are blurred;
- the need for sex occurs less than twice a week;
- premature ejaculation. This feature is critical only when it manifests itself in mature and experienced men who have sufficient experience of sexual relations;
- lack of spontaneous morning or night erection;
- lack of sexual desire or its decrease. In anticipation of sex, anxiety, fear of intimacy, and fear of failure arise.
Even if a man notices one of the listed symptoms, he should consult a doctor. After all, the sooner treatment is started, the faster and more successfully the problem can be eliminated. If there are many symptoms and they increase, it is much more difficult to stop the development mechanism.
Important! Impotence can be temporary. Including against the background of too frequent and active sexual intercourse. Or vice versa, premature ejaculation occurs in men who are unable to have regular sex life. As soon as the frequency of sexual intercourse becomes stable, a man’s readiness for sexual intercourse returns to normal. Short-term (with a frequency of up to several episodes per year) “failures” are normal and only indicate a man’s overwork.
Sexual function declines in older men. When the end of reproductive age comes, the strength and duration of sexual intercourse gradually decreases. In this case, medical assistance will not be required; a decrease in potency is natural for male physiology.
Impotence at the age of 30–35 years
Impotence at the age of 30–35 years occurs quite rarely, so when warning symptoms appear, it is important to determine the exact cause of sexual dysfunction. In this age category, men lead an active lifestyle sexually and are ready to conceive children.
Erectile function of a psychological type occurs when a man is unsure of his relationship with his partner, as well as with possible sexually transmitted diseases. If physiological impotence is observed due to a lack of testosterone, then a selected treatment regimen by a qualified specialist is required.
Impotence at the age of 40–50 years
The occurrence of impotence at the age of 40–50 years has become quite common in recent years, as the male body weakens significantly and hormonal levels decrease due to exposure to negative environmental factors.
Treatment of impotence at this age is carried out through the use of drugs of varying degrees of impact. Drug therapy is mainly used in the form of taking tablets and topical agents. The success of the procedure depends on the degree of neglect of the disease and the individual manifestations of the body.
Diet
Just like any other disorder, impotence requires not only drug treatment, but also proper nutrition. The diet of a man who has the first signs of sexual impotence should be balanced, and, first of all, preference should be given to those products that help strengthen erection by restoring the body. These include goat milk and whey, brewer's yeast and vegetable oil, onions and garlic, carrots and celery, tomatoes and rose hips, millet and honey.
A mixture of dates, almonds, pistachios and quince seeds will help not only increase potency, but also increase libido in general. These ingredients must be crushed and mixed, and the resulting mixture should be consumed once a day, 100 g.
At the same time, it is worth giving up bad habits, as well as those products that can only aggravate the problem. These include:
- fast food;
- preservation and marinades;
- smoked meats, fried foods;
- salty foods, spicy dishes;
- bakery.
This food increases the level of cholesterol in the blood, which leads to the formation of plaques and subsequent disruption of the normal blood circulation process, which is extremely undesirable if impotence occurs.
Contact a specialist
If alarming symptoms of impotence occur, it is necessary to promptly contact qualified specialists and diagnose the exact cause of erectile dysfunction.
To determine an accurate diagnosis, consultation with doctors such as a sexologist, urologist, psychologist, andrologist, therapist, and cardiologist is required. After a certain series of examinations, a medical opinion is issued and adequate therapy is prescribed in the individual case.
The success of treatment and increasing potency directly depends on finding out the exact cause of the problem and following all the instructions of qualified specialists. As preventive measures, it is recommended to maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid bad habits.
Causes of impotence
Impotence can strike you at the age of 20 (it is also called early impotence), and at 30, 35, 40 and after 50 years. Much depends on the man, or rather on his lifestyle. How often do you manage to get out to the gym or pay attention to your health? A modern person works a lot and there is practically no time left to pay attention to himself.
Young people sit a lot at the computer (play games), or practice other sedentary activities - do you think this does not lead to stagnation in your body? And it all comes down to what we are starting to discuss - “ the causes of impotence at a young age ” - in young men. Therefore, it is necessary not to study them afterward, but to do preventive measures in advance. If you can’t go to the gym, use the device below, but don’t sit idly by – and only then will you be happy.
The diagnosis of erectile dysfunction can be made when a man is completely incapable of copulation; everything else can be called a functional disorder.
Smoking can be considered one of the causes of impotence . More than 12% of men who smoke (smoking more than 20 cigarettes per day) notice functional disorders. However, if such men quit smoking, their erection may be restored.
2. Alcohol at the initial moment of consumption can cause an increase in potency, but then you can notice a sharp decrease. It has not been proven that alcohol is the cause of men's problems in bed, but an indirect role is possible with frequent overdoses.
3. Diabetes disease can also cause sexual impotence for the male population. In men over 30 years of age, it increases in percentage terms and by the age of 65, 75% of diabetic patients have a risk of developing impotence.
4. Obesity
List of products to eliminate impotence
To increase your potency level, it is important to follow a special diet and exclude confectionery, flour products, and foods with a high content of artificial flavors from your daily diet.
List of products that help eliminate impotence:
- eating dates;
- onions, garlic, mainly fresh;
- vegetables (tomatoes, herbs, celery root, carrots);
- natural honey, beeswax, pollen;
- vegetable oils (linseed, olive, sunflower);
- dairy products;
- pine nuts, walnuts.
Traditional methods of treatment
First of all, you need to visit a doctor and find out the causes of impotence. After which, in consultation with a specialist, you can strengthen the recommended treatment with folk remedies.
Remember that you should not expect instant results from this therapy. And they will only appear if you follow a set of therapeutic measures, change your lifestyle and give up bad habits.
Among the folk remedies are making tea from St. John's wort, gourd, ginger, ginseng, eating walnuts, garlic, cilantro and parsley. For lovers of extreme sensations, we can recommend the method of contrast baths: when you need to alternately sit in a basin with cold or hot water. The duration of stay in each basin is 1.5 minutes, a total of 10 transplantations are needed.
The connection between male infertility and impotence
The problem of childlessness due to the fault of the stronger sex is serious. And while many infertility symptoms in men are directly related to impotence, there is actually a huge difference between infertility and erectile dysfunction. These concepts are different and cannot be interchanged with each other. Impotence covers internal or external conditions in which a man is unable to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse.
It is quite natural that patients with disrupted hormonal levels, poor blood supply to the reproductive system and other signs of erectile dysfunction are unlikely to be able to successfully fertilize a woman naturally. If a man's seminal fluid has not undergone changes and meets the criteria for successful conception, then he will need special treatment to procreate, or the possibility of artificial insemination should be considered. Many men suffering from symptoms of impotence are quite fertile, and thanks to treatment or the latest advances in modern medicine, they can become happy fathers (photo).
Other reasons for the inability to conceive a child also cannot be called infertility. They are psychogenic in nature. It happens that a man who has been married for a long time loses interest in his wife, despite the mutual dream of conceiving a child. It is much easier to help men with psycho-emotional causes of impotence and, accordingly, infertility. Among the options, there is still the possibility of artificial insemination, or treatment with a psychologist.
Infertility in medicine is usually called a health condition in which a man is generally unable to conceive a child, for example, due to defects in the seminal fluid. A man diagnosed with infertility most often has good potency and normal sexual relations, but is unable to conceive.
Signs of infertility in men
The main signs of infertility are the absence of pregnancy during regular (at least 2 times a week) sexual intercourse for a year. Of course, two conditions must be met:
- contraceptives were not used in all cases of intimacy;
- the partner was fully examined and no pathologies were identified that would interfere with conception.
Signs of incurable infertility in men are quite rare. Experts advise that all difficulties in intimate life that cause anxiety or doubt should be known to the doctor as quickly as possible.
Common reasons
Impotence in a man can be either an underlying disease or a consequence of certain psychological and physiological conditions. The reasons for this are various. Predisposing factors affect any level and mechanism of its manifestation. Since the development of erection is a delicate and complex system, it is prone to the negative effects of certain factors.
If impotence develops, the causes are as follows:
- Diseases of the endocrine system;
- Presence of physical fatigue;
- Neurological disorders;
- Development of diabetes mellitus, presence of increased or too low body weight;
- Pathological processes in the vascular system;
- Psychological factors;
- Deviations in the cardiac apparatus;
- Hypertensive disease;
- Advanced liver pathologies, failure of the liver to perform its functions;
- General intoxication of the body;
- The presence of bad addictions - excessive consumption of ethanol-containing products, smoking and drug abuse;
- The presence of diseases and injuries of the pelvic organs in a man;
- The cause of impotence may lie in the long-term use of certain medications;
- Lack of full sex, frequent sexual stimulation without a partner.
Psychogenic impotence
What causes erectile dysfunction of a psychological nature? Psychogenic factors most often influence this problem. As a result, sexual weakness can develop even in young and healthy guys. The reason for this is a possible psycho-emotional disorder and overstrain. These include prolonged stress at work and increased nervousness. Such conditions may not affect a man’s life and sexual health for a long time. But at a certain point, the increased production of adrenaline entails either the neutralization of natural sex hormones, or the sensitivity of the penile receptors becomes much less or is completely absent.
Another feature of the development of psychogenic impotence is its short duration, it is repeated periodically. It can appear suddenly, even in the absence of unfavorable factors, and is characterized by an unpredictable nature. Sometimes this condition goes away on its own and is short-term. This may include the presence of psychological discomfort in a man, the tension that he feels before sexual intercourse. Of course, this cannot but affect the appearance of an erection. Sometimes psychogenic impotence refers to the lack of sexual arousal among certain representatives of the fair sex.
Excessive physical strain can negatively affect men's sexual health. In order for an erection to appear and persist throughout sexual intercourse, the body will need large energy expenditures. If a man has previously wasted his energy on physical activities or sports training, this cannot but affect the formation of the erection mechanism.
Organic pathologies as the causes of the appearance
The causes of impotence in men aged 40 often lie in endocrine disorders. In their body, there is a close relationship between the endocrine glands, which directly affect the production of testosterone. With a normal concentration of this hormone in the blood fluid, a man is provided not only with a powerful, stable erection, but also metabolic processes in the internal organs increase, due to which the energy reserve of the man’s body increases significantly. If there is a disturbance in metabolic processes, the cause may be dysfunction in the thyroid gland, malfunction of the pituitary gland and adrenal glands, since they directly influence and are responsible for metabolic processes.
The reason that a man is impotent may lie in neurological disorders. This includes physiological damage to the central nervous system, which manifests itself in the following conditions:
- disturbances in the microcirculation of blood fluid in any part of the brain;
- Parkinson's disease;
- multiple sclerosis;
- injuries;
- flaccid paralysis;
- pathological processes in the spinal cord or its processes;
- the formation of large-diameter intervertebral hernias, especially in the sacrolumbar spine;
- the presence of tumors in the brain.
The listed neurological disorders can provoke dysfunction in the relaxation of the smooth muscles of the cavernous bodies of the penis. As a result, impotence of physiological origin may develop. Usually it is persistent; it is not an independent disease, but only a consequence, a symptom of the main pathology. And with competent and timely treatment of the underlying disease, there is a possibility that potency will recover on its own after the cause is eliminated.
Another significant reason for the development of erectile dysfunction is diabetes mellitus in the stage of decompensation, especially if this disease is accompanied by errors in body weight - increased weight or excessive exhaustion. With a large amount of glucose in the blood fluid, a disorder occurs in two components of potency - vascular and neurological. With diabetic neuropathy, there is a decrease in receptor susceptibility. The result is an excessively low rate of filling of the penis with blood fluid.
With dysfunctions in the metabolism of lipid structures, disturbances in erectile function also often occur, since such substances directly play a role in the process of synthesis of male androgens. Atherosclerotic disease and other pathologies in the vascular system are a current provoking factor in the fact that a man begins to experience certain problems in the sexual sphere.
If the flow of blood fluid in the arteries is disrupted, it will negatively affect the swelling of the penis. The same processes are observed with pathological developments in the cardiac apparatus, with hypertension, since as a result of these negative phenomena the flow of blood fluid into the cavernous bodies worsens.
Defects and dysfunctions in the liver also negatively affect the male reproductive system. The deterioration of the natural functions of hepatocytes is especially bad. Against this background, the synthesis and production of androgens may deteriorate. The result is insufficient testosterone production and progressive impotence.
The influence of negative attachments
Negative habits for a long period of time may not have any effect on a man’s sexual performance. But there comes a time when their deterioration inevitably occurs. If you do not maintain a healthy lifestyle, you may experience the negative effects of such addictions.
Ethanol-containing products negatively affect the processes of androgen synthesis, and nicotine entering the body is always a provocateur of vascular dysfunction, which cannot but affect the full process of swelling of the penis.
Drugs are even more negative for a man’s sexual functions.
Other diseases
Pathological processes in the organs of the reproductive system are always predisposing factors to the occurrence of a problem. At the same time, such impotence of organic origin is very difficult and takes a long time to treat, it is extremely difficult to eliminate it with the help of medications. Especially if diseases of the pelvic organs are chronic and protracted. Such ailments include prostatitis in the acute stage or in the chronic stage, orchitis, cystitis, urethritis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, tumor processes in the prostate.
Any inflammatory processes always leave behind scarring of the epithelial layer, due to which disturbances occur in blood microcirculation and in the functioning of the prostate. And since the gonad is located in close proximity to the male genital organ, disturbances in erectile function are often accompanied by all sorts of inflammation in the organ and its tissues.
Also, sexually transmitted diseases are the cause of impotence in men.
The Negative Impact of Self-Pleasure
Frequent masturbation provokes the development of erectile dysfunction of mixed or psychological-organic origin. According to many experts, periodic self-satisfaction can be beneficial for men's health, especially if there is no regular sexual partner. With its help, you can prevent the development of congestion in the pelvic organs. Normally, this process can occur. But you shouldn't abuse it. Because prolonged abstinence from full, normal sexual intercourse will not bring benefits to a man’s sexual sphere. This method can be used infrequently, only as a last resort.
If masturbation is a complete substitute for normal sexual contact, it always has a bad effect on the blood filling functions of the penis. This happens due to the self-excitation of the organ’s receptors, due to which only an imitation of coitus occurs, ejaculation is usually incomplete. With systematic stagnation of seminal fluid, testicular function invariably worsens, and the result is the development of impotence.
Age category
When can such a problem arise, is there an age limit for its appearance? Such questions often arise among many representatives of the stronger half of the population. Experts say there are no age standards for such physiological processes. As a norm, an erection should be maintained from the moment when there is a possibility of conceiving a child until the time when the possibility of the stronger sex to fertilize the egg disappears.
With impotence, the chance of conceiving a child is lost. The causes of infertility in men lie in:
- immunological factor;
- dysfunction of ejaculate production;
- presence of cryptorchidism;
- diseases of infectious origin suffered during life;
- negative impact of adverse environmental factors;
- psychogenic reasons.
Most of these conditions are causes of infertility in women. To find out the causes of female infertility, both sexual partners must undergo full diagnostic measures during the period of planning a child. If impotence negatively affects the quantitative and qualitative parameters of seminal fluid, it is important to carry out timely, competent treatment.