Impotence

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Impotence is the inability of an adult male to achieve an erection sufficient to copulate successfully. It is a very common problem. Most men experience an episode of impotence at some time in their lives. More than 15 million men in the United States suffer from it on a chronic basis.

Impotence can be physical or psychological in origin. Physical causes include diseases or anatomical defects in the genitalia, poor overall health, diabetes, cancer, prostate surgery, hormonal imbalances, spinal-cord damage, and hardening of the arteries. Impotence can also be a side effect of various drugs, particularly tranquilizers, blood-pressure medications, certain antidepressants, alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine. Excessive alcohol consumption in particular is a major cause of a temporary inability to perform. Most of these factors result in impotence because they interfere with either the flow of blood to the penis or the transmission of nerve impulses to and from the penis. In some cases, impotence may be traced to a deficiency of the sex hormone testosterone, but this is quite rare, as only a very small amount of this hormone is required for successful erections.

This disorder becomes more common as men get older. Studies show that by age sixty, many men find it takes longer to achieve an erection. This does not mean, however that impotence is a natural consequence of ageing. Rather, it points to the fact that as a man gets older, he is increasingly likely to have other conditions or take medications that can result erectile difficulties. Then, too, older men may feel less need to ejaculate because their bodies produce smaller amounts of semen, which translates into less desire. Nevertheless, many men continue to enjoy satisfying sex lives into their seventies and eighties.

If you are impotent only from time to time, if you have erections during the night, and/or if you can achieve an erection through masturbation, it is likely that the cause of your problem is psychological in nature. Psychological factors that can lead to impotence include anxiety, depression, stress, anger or conflict with one's partner, guilt feelings, fear, and lack of desire. Fatigue, overwork, certain drugs, and nutritional deficiencies can compound any of these. Sometimes, a combination of physical and psychological factors are involved in this problem.

General Recommendations

If your are overweight, lose the excess pounds. Obesity can compromise sexual function. Sometimes simply losing weight can make a dramatic difference in your sexual ability.

Exercise. Satisfying sex involves many muscles. It takes roughly the same amount of energy to have intercourses as it does to climb two flights of stairs. If your body is toned and fit, you will not only be less likely to suffer from impotence, but you will enjoy sex more. This "prescription" applies no matter how old you are.

If you consume alcohol, do so in moderation only. Men who consume excessive amounts of alcohol are more likely to suffer form impotence, as they get older than are those who abstain or drink only moderately.

If you smoke, quit, and avoid secondhand smoke. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, including those that serve the penis. Consequently, smokers are at higher risk for impotence than nonsmokers.

If impotence is an occasional problem, remember that sex is nor synonymous with intercourse. Engage in play and exploration with your partner to find other ways you can give each other satisfaction and pleasure.

Remember that every man has a problem with impotence at least once in his life. Anxiety over performance and fear of failure only make things worse. Try not to become obsessed with the problem.

Prevention

A healthy lifestyle is the best preventive. Many diseases linked to diet and lifestyle can lead to impotence.

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