What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile Dysfunction, commonly known as Impotence, is the inability to complete sexual acts due to the softening of the penile erection. For the completion of the act of intercourse, there must be an adequate amount of blood flow to the penis. When the blood flow is interrupted for some reason, the desired erection does not occur. If this condition continues, it can lead to psychological trauma.
What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?
Several factors can cause Erectile Dysfunction. It is often caused by outside factors, including (but not limited to) drug and/or alcohol abuse, smoking, fatigue, improper nourishment and some medications. Other external factors are psychological, such as stress (financial or familial), lack of communication between partners, boredom, and loss (such as of a job or a loved one). The ability to maintain an erection can also sometimes be blamed on lack of exercise or illness.
What Options Are There For Curing Erectile Dysfunction?
Do not worry, because there is hope for sufferers of erectile dysfunction. First and foremost, if the cause could be one of the issues listed above, it needs to be addressed. Drug and alcohol abuse should of course be professionally treated. Smoking habits can be curtailed or eliminated through the use of several over-the-counter nicotine control gums and patches. Fatigue can only be eliminated by getting a good night’s rest. A good, firm mattress and a comfortable pillow can help improve the quality of rest. Eating properly is essential, and can help improve overall stamina. Psychological factors such as stress can often be alleviated through exercise and/or relaxation and meditation techniques. Sexual activity itself is a stress reliever, even if it does not end in an orgasm. Being sexually affectionate with a loved one may help overcome erectile dysfunction, which is why good communication with the partner is so important. Good communication can also help to deal with losses. Please note; some medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, etc. can cause impotence. If the inability to maintain an erection continues for more than six weeks, it is vitally important to see a doctor. This also applies if medication has been prescribed for any condition and you believe that it has resulted in the loss of erections.
Happily, though, most forms of Erectile Dysfunction are temporary. Most men (99.5%) have had some form of impotence at some point in their life. The 0.5% are infants. When life events result in a lack of erectile function, this calls for patience on the part of the partner; it is vitally important that he or she be understanding and helpful. One thing that is important to understand: as men age, their firmness changes, due to the slowing of blood flow. There are products that can be applied to the penis to help sustain and prolong the quality of the erection, including vacuum pumps, constriction rings, creams and sprays, and pills. Many of these products are staples in the erectile dysfunction community. Clinical results of some products (vacuum pumps in particular) have been extremely successful.