ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
Erectile dysfunction (impotence) is the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex. Erectile dysfunction, or ED, can be a total inability to achieve erection, an inconsistent ability to do so, or a tendency to sustain only brief erections. These variations make defining Erectile Dysfunction and estimating its incidence difficult.
Erectile dysfunction, sometimes called "impotence," is the repeated inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.
Having erection trouble from time to time isn't necessarily a cause for concern. But if erectile dysfunction is an ongoing problem, it may cause stress, cause relationship problems or affect your self-confidence.
Earlier in older men, Erectile Dysfunction usually had a physical cause, such as disease, injury, or side effects of drugs. But now a day even younger men are being diagnosed with physical causes due to bad life styles, sitting jobs, bad dietary habits and dug addictions etc. In addition to this any disorder that causes injury to the nerves or impairs blood flow in the penis has the potential to cause Erectile Dysfunction.
Erectile dysfunction can be attributed to various reasons like diabetes, age factor, medical condition, side effects of illicit drugs, stress, performance anxiety, cardiac problems, psychological factors etc. Erectile Dysfunction is treatable at any age, and awareness of this fact has been growing. More men have been seeking help and returning to normal sexual activity because of improved, successful treatments for Erectile Dysfunction.
WHAT CAUSES ED?
Between 35 and 50 percent of men with diabetes experience ED Lifestyle choices that contribute to heart disease and vascular problems also raise the risk of Erectile Dysfunction.
The main causes include:
- Diabetes (high blood sugar)
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
- Stress, anxiety or depression
- Alcohol, smoking and tobacco use
- Some prescription medications, such as antidepressants, pain medicine and medicine for high blood pressure
- Fatigue
- Brain or spinal-cord injuries
- Hypogonadism (which leads to lower testosterone levels)
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson's disease
- Radiation therapy to the testicles
- Stroke
- Some types of prostate or bladder surgery
The other causes for ED can be:
Disturbed mind & worries
Excess exposure to cold or hot weather
Not feeling free with the partner
Un familiar & uncomfortable surrounding
Fear of somebody watching
Fear of improper behavior with the partner
Fear of improper erection itself can cause erectile dysfunction
Fear of not maintaining proper status and dignity with the partner
Fear of not satisfying the partner
Feeling the partner too much enthusiastic about you
Fear of not able to maintaining in par with high society people
Feelings that can lead to ED
Feeling nervous about sex, perhaps because of a bad experience or because of a previous episode of impotence
Feeling stressed, including stress from work or family situations
Being troubled by problems in your relationship with your sex partner
Feeling depressed
Feeling so self-conscious that you can't enjoy sex
Thinking that your partner is reacting negatively to you
HOW DOES ERECTION OCCUR
Erectile dysfunction can occur at any age, but it is more common in men older than 75. Erection begins with sexual stimulation. Sexual stimulation can be tactile (for example, by touching the penis), or mental (for example, by having sexual fantasies). Sexual stimulation generates electrical impulses along the nerves going to the penis and causes the nerves to release nitric oxide, which in turn increases the production of cyclic GMP (cGMP) in the smooth muscle cells of the corpora cavernosa. The cGMP causes the smooth muscles of the corpora cavernosa to relax, and allow rapid blood flow into the penis. The in-coming blood fills the corpora cavernosa, making the penis expand.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
The physical examination can reveal clues for physical causes of erectile dysfunction. For example, if the penis does not respond as expected to touching, a problem in the nervous system may be the cause. Small testicles, lack of facial hair and enlarged breasts can point to hormonal problems such as hypogonadism with low testosterone levels. A reduced flow of blood as a result of atherosclerosis can sometimes be diagnosed by finding diminished arterial pulses in the legs or listening with a stethoscope for bruits (the sound of blood flowing through narrowed arteries).
HOME REMEDIES
· Ginkgo Biloba and Asian Ginseng are good herbs for erectile dysfunction but consult your physician before taking them.
· Flaxseed, zinc, vitamin C and vitamin E enhance erectile function.
· Acupuncture is a very effective method to cure the dysfunction as it stimulates the body and the senses.
The herb ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is sometimes called Indian Ginseng because it is thought to have similar effects on the body. It is thought to increase energy, stamina, and sexual function. No studies, however, have examined whether it is effective for erectile dysfunction in humans.(Side effects of ashwagandha may include drowsiness. It should not be combined with sedative drugs.)
· Avoid red meat, sugar, fried foods, junk foods, processed foods, white flour and artificial sweeteners.
Drink at least 1 liter of water everyday and do moderated exercise to keep your body active. Deep breathing and yoga poses will strengthen your immunity and staying power.
Do not take stress or get hypersensitive about any issue as a calm mind will help you to maintain balance which will eventually improve your sexual life.
Juices of neem, guduchi (giloya) and Embelica officinalis prove beneficial in curing ED during diabetes if consumed early in the morning
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RECOMMENDATION
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Aim to reduce stresses in your life by looking at the balance between your work and your home/leisure time.
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Practice yoga and meditation regularly to keep stress level low.
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If you smoke, make a plan to stop.
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Take moderate intensity exercise (brisk walking for instance) - for half an hour on most days of the week.
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Eat a balanced diet rich in fruit and vegetables and low in fat.
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Drink alcohol in moderation.
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Relaxation techniques may be helpful.
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