Men's Health: Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

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Men's Health: Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

 

The term erectile dysfunction covers a range of disorders, but

usually refers to the inability to obtain an adequate erection for

satisfactory sexual activity.

 

More common in men older than 65, it can occur at any age. As men

age, it is normal to experience changes in erectile function.

Erections may take longer to develop, may not be as rigid or may

require more direct stimulation to be achieved. An occasional episode

of erectile dysfunction happens to most men and is normal. Men may

also notice that orgasms are less intense, the volume of semen is

reduced and recovery time takes longer.

 

Erectile dysfunction (ED) may not only be a sign of a physical

problems but there is often an emotional problem that must be

addressed. Symptoms for ED include: occasional inability to obtain a

full erection, inability to maintain an erection throughout

intercourse and/or complete inability to achieve an erection.

 

When ED proves to be a pattern or a persistent problem, it can

interfere with a man's self-image as well as his and his partner's

sexual life. Stress is a major player that can knock you down a few

notches and ways of managing that stress must be taken seriously.

Making sure you maintain good blood flow is one of the most important

things you should be aware of as you age. Therefore, ED is

categorized into two separate root causes:

 

Physical causes for ED may include:

1. Nerve damage from longstanding diabetes (diabetic neuropathy)

2. Cardiovascular disorders affecting the blood supply to the pelvis

3. Certain prescription medications

4. Operations for cancer of the prostate

5. Fractures that injure the spinal cord

6. Multiple sclerosis

7. Hormonal disorders

8. Alcoholism and other forms of drug abuse

9. The first signs of an underlying medical problem.

 

Long term diseases of the lungs, liver, kidneys, heart, nerves,

arteries or veins can lead to impotence. So can endocrine system

disorders, particularly diabetes. In some men, erectile dysfunction

may be caused by low levels of the hormone testosterone (male

hypogonadism).The accumulation of deposits (plaques) in the arteries

(atherosclerosis) also can prevent adequate blood from entering the

penis. In fact, the penis and the strength of the erection is the

male barometer of his overall health.

 

Psychological causes for ED may include:

1. Stress, anxiety and fatigue.

2. Impotence is also an occasional side effect of psychological

problems such as depression.

3. Negative feelings such as feelings that you express toward your

sexual partner or that are expressed by your sexual partner

(resentment, hostility or lack of interest) also can be a factor in

erectile dysfunction.

4. Low self-esteem, a feeling of inadequacy or insecurity about a

situation.

 

The physical and nonphysical causes of erectile dysfunction commonly

interact. For instance, a minor physical problem that slows sexual

response may cause anxiety about attaining an erection. Then the

anxiety can worsen your erectile dysfunction.

 

There are three steps to a normal erection:

1. Arousal is the first step, which men achieve from the senses of

sight, touch, hearing and smell, and from thoughts themselves.

2. The Nervous System Response occurs when the brain communicates the

sexual excitement to the body's nervous system, which activates

increased blood flow to the penis.

3. The Blood Vessel Response is an actual relaxing action that occurs

in the blood vessels that supply the penis, (not excitement) allowing

more blood to flow into the urethra, which produces the erection. If

something affects any of these factors or the delicate balance among

them, erectile dysfunction can result.

 

Top 10 Ways to Keep It Up

 

1. Limit or avoid the use of alcohol and other similar drugs.

 

2. Stop smoking.

 

3. Exercise regularly. Do both muscle strengthening and cardio.

 

4. Reduce stress.

 

5. Get enough sleep.

 

6. Deal with anxiety or depression.

 

7. Loss Weight. Avoid fatty foods and cut back on portion size.

 

8. Follow the guidelines for good arterial health.

 

9. Seek counseling for yourself or with your partner.

 

10. See your doctor for regular checkups and medical screening tests.

 

 

You can find more issues on men's health here:

 

http://www.peacefulmind.com/articlesm.htm

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

Peacefulmind.com

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spirit