Impotence Symptoms and Causes

What is Impotence?

The impotence in men is called “erectile dysfunction” (ED) and it is described as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity. In women, impotence or luck of sexual desire can manifest like FSD (female sexual dysfunction) and FSAD (female sexual arousal disorder).

Although it can be safely said that every man experiences erectile dysfunction from time to time, impotence is defined in medical terms as the inability to maintain an erection sufficient for intercourse in at least 25% of attempts.

Erectile dysfunction is a fairly common situation; it has been calculated that at some point it can affect to a greater or lesser degree half of men between the ages of 40 and 70. Until recently it was a topic that was not usually dealt with openly. Myths and cultural expectations of male sexuality have prevented many men from seeking help for a disorder that can, in most cases, benefit from medical treatment.

What does a normal erection look like?

When there is no sexual stimulation, the blood flow inside the penis is very low, which keeps it in a flaccid or non-erect state. When a man is sexually stimulated, the arteries of the penis relax and dilate, and blood flow to the penis increases a lot. As the penis expands, its veins —which would have to return blood from the penis into the return circulation—are compressed, and the blood cannot get out. With more blood flow coming in and very little coming out, the penis increases in size and consistency, leading to erection.

Causes of impotence or erectile dysfunction

Most cases of impotence or ED (70-80%) are associated with physical and non-psychological alterations. ED can be caused by alteration of one or more of the three mechanisms responsible for erection: blockage of the arteries; inability of the blood vessels within the penis to store blood; or nerve damage to the penis or pelvic area. Other physiological dysfunctions, such as low levels of male hormone (testosterone), may also be responsible for ED.

Thus, the situations that most frequently occur impotence are:

• Diseases that affect blood vessels and restrict blood flow to the penis, such as diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), excess cholesterol, or heart disease.
• Situations that disrupt the connection between the nervous system and the penis, such as prostate surgery or traumatic injuries to the area.
• Many medications (some of them used to treat hypertension and depressions), which produce ED as an unwanted side effect.
• Nervous depression.
• Risk habits for ED: Smoking, alcohol, drugs, stress.

The inability to experience or maintain an erection upon waking up in the morning is considered an indicator of impotence of physical cause, as opposed to that of a psychological type. Impotence that persists for more than 3 months and is not due to an obvious stressful event, drugs, alcohol, or transient medical conditions that cause ED, signals the need for medical attention from a urologist.

Impotence or erectile dysfunction and aging

There are many misunderstandings on this issue. As a result of the aging process, there is usually a longer refractory period – time needed for a new erection after an orgasm. Age also seems to affect the time needed to become aroused and for erection and ejaculation. All these are considered completely normal changes. If ED is more frequent as age advances, it is mainly because it is more likely that some (or several) of the diseases that produce ED will appear and that some of the drugs that are known to alter erectile function will be consumed.

Diagnosis of Erectile Dysfunction

ED is a medical diagnosis and, as such, should be performed by a qualified physician. For this diagnosis, several elements can be used:

• Physical exam. It includes an examination of the genital area and a digital rectal examination (examination of the rectum with a gloved finger) to assess the condition of the prostate. Evidence of other diseases should be sought – hypertension, diabetes, atherosclerosis, nerve damage …
• Laboratory tests. Blood tests will be done to measure testosterone levels and, if necessary, prolactin levels to determine if there are problems with the endocrine system.
• Oral medication: Kamagra pill is a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor that aids in the relaxation and dilation of the body’s blood vessels. Blood flow is improved in specific areas of the body as a result. Erectile dysfunction in men can be treated with this drug very effectively. Additionally, it helps men with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), which might lead to an increase in their ability to exercise.
• Female importance or female sexual dysfunction, is a general expression given to a various female sexual disorders. Female sexual dysfunction may include a loss of sexual desire or an inability to enjoy sexual activity. Lovegra or “Viagra for woman” is a popular form of sildenafil citrate medication developed particularly for women. Thanks to Lovegra, woman can experience increased blood flow and better sensitivity in the vaginal area, leading to natural lubrication and an increased success rate during intercourse.
• Other tests. A variety of specific tests may be needed to detect ED, such as erectile response tests after injection of drugs that dilate the blood vessels of the penis, or the detection of nocturnal erections using various devices.

Prevention of impotence

Change lifestyle habits that affect the health of the arteries and veins: Do not smoke, moderate the consumption of alcohol and fats (particularly saturated fats), get some exercise and learn to relax. Many specialists have opined that one of the best and happiest preventive measures is to make love frequently with a loved one, looking for pleasure.