Have you had trouble getting an erection or maintaining an erection for as long as possible for sex? If yes, how many times has it happened? Do you know what caused it? Could it be because of stress, exhaustion, or some medical condition? Have you talked to your doctor about it?
Difficulty achieving and sustaining an erection for sex is a widespread problem. Around the world, there are several millions of men who have experienced this at least once. If it occurs once in a while, it should not be something to be so worried about. However, if it happens almost every time you have sexual intercourse, it is time that you consult a medical professional about it.
What is impotence?
Impotence is a condition in which a man is unable to get an erection, maintain an erection, or orgasm or ejaculate during almost all his sexual encounters. It is also called erectile dysfunction and can be caused by physical factors, emotional issues, or both.
According to health experts, any man can be affected by impotence, but those that are older are much more likely to get hit by it than the younger ones. In one study, findings showed that the risk of impotence rises with age, and older men who have heart disease or some cardiovascular-related medical issue even have a much higher risk.
What can cause impotence?
Impotence can be caused by a variety of things, including the following:
Impaired heart and blood vessels
A significant number of cases of male impotence are caused by problems in the heart and blood vessels. Because proper blood circulation and blood flow are essential in achieving and sustaining erections, any hardening of the arteries, clogging in the blood vessels, or problems in the heart function can increase a man’s risk of impotence.
Chronic kidney disease
The kidneys play a major role in flushing out toxins and other unwanted substances from your body. They also filter the blood that is circulated and delivered to the different parts of your body, including your penis. If you have chronic kidney disease, your kidneys will not be able to carry out their duties efficiently, negatively impacting your sexual functions and other important bodily functions.
Type 2 diabetes
Having higher than normal blood sugar levels can also contribute to impotence. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes that can afflict men and women, young and old. However, it is more likely to strike those that are 45 years or older, have a family history of diabetes, or are overweight or obese. If you have it, you become more prone to heart disease, kidney disorders, and erectile problems.
Prostate cancer treatment
To treat prostate cancer, a man may have to undergo surgery or take radiation therapy to kill off the cancer cells. However, more often than not, these medical procedures can negatively impact the nerves and blood cells that surround the prostate gland, potentially causing reduced libido, erectile issues, or inability to orgasm or ejaculate.
Substance abuse
Excessive alcohol intake, smoking, and drug abuse are bad for health. They not only can damage your kidneys, lungs, brain, and other vital organs, they can also impair your penis function, testosterone production, sperm count, and other sexual functions.
What are the risk factors of male impotence?
There are certain risk factors that can increase a man’s odds of having male impotence than others. Below are 5 of the most common ones:
Age
Impotence can strike a man at any age, but it is much more likely to affect someone who is older. According to various research studies, men who are 40 years or older have a significantly greater risk of experiencing erectile issues than men who are in their 20s or 30s. If you are 40 or older, and are starting to encounter some signs and symptoms of impotence, go see your doctor as soon as possible to find out what the cause of the problem is and what the best treatment solution for it is.
Underlying medical conditions
Many cases of impotence are due to some underlying health issues that a man may or may not be aware of. For instance, if you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels, your likelihood of experiencing erectile problems is greater than someone whose blood pressure and cholesterol levels are normal. Also, if you have clogged arteries or some other heart-related or cardiovascular-related problems, enough blood might not be able to flow to your penis, making achieving and sustaining an erection troublesome.
Certain medications
Taking certain medications can contribute to impotence. For example, if you have high blood pressure and you are taking blood pressure management medications, such as propranolol or hydrochlorothiazide, you may manifest signs and symptoms of erectile dysfunction. Also, if you have depression or anxiety and are taking antidepressant or anti-anxiety drugs may negatively impact your performance in the bedroom too. Other medications that may have the same effects are chemotherapy drugs, such as cyclophosphamide and busulfan; Parkinson’s disease medications, such as levodopa and biperiden; and prostate cancer drugs, such as leuprolide and flutamide. If you are currently taking any of these medications, and you are experiencing a negative effect on your erections, talk to your doctor right away.
Emotional and mental health issues
Emotional and mental health issuesStress brought about by your job, family, relationships, and other factors can be bad for your erections. If you are constantly stressed, your body’s hormonal balance gets messed up, affecting many aspects of your health, including your libido and erections. If you have some mental health disorder, such as depression and anxiety, you may also experience reduced libido and sexual stamina and endurance.
Unhealthy lifestyle choices and habits
Overeating, eating an unhealthy diet, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and physical inactivity are examples of lifestyle choices and habits that can affect your erections. They expose your body to harmful and toxic compounds that can impair the proper functioning of your vital organs and systems.
How is impotence treated?
There are several treatment options available for impotence. You can try male enhancement products which can boost testosterone levels, libido, and sexual performance. You can make a major lifestyle change, and eat more healthily, exercise regularly, and quit bad habits. You can also consult your doctor and take prescription medications for any underlying health problem that causes your erectile problems.
