Impotence or erectile dysfunction is a condition wherein a man is unable to obtain or sustain a full erection necessary for the completion of the sexual act. To have a healthy or complete erection, a man’s limbic system and pituitary gland should be intact and the level of testosterone should be normal.
Causes
There are a number of factors that can cause impotence; some are physical while others are emotional or psychological. Certain diseases like Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, diabetes and stroke can bring in erection problems. Injuries to the brain or the spinal cord and nerve damage can also cause it.
Anxiety, stress, depression and mental disorders like schizophrenia and panic disorder can also prevent a man from developing or maintaining an erection. Obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, drug use and aging are also factors behind this condition.
Treatment
The treatment option would depend on what’s causing the problem. Doctors might prescribe testosterone supplements if the cause is deficiency in hormones. The use of an external vacuum pump is also sometimes recommended, but this should only be explored if the doctor okayed it.
Medications like PDE5 inhibitors (Viagra or Levitra) are also used in some cases. If there is nothing wrong with the patient physically, various psychological and general health techniques are often recommended. Most common of these are counseling, relaxation steps like exercise and cutting down on alcohol intake. For overweight men, maintaining a normal, healthy weight is often the answer.
Men should seek the help of a doctor first before trying any of the oral medications or devices that supposedly work for erectile dysfunction. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can also go a long way towards solving this problem.