What is impotence?
Impotence, or chronic erectile disfunction (ED), is no longer a taboo subject. It is estimated that 30 million American suffer from ED and, for a great majority of them, the problem is solvable. A man is considered impotent if he does not have the ability to achieve or maintain an erection adequate for normal sexual intercourse. Erections result from a complex combination of brain stimuli, blood vessel and nerve function, and hormonal actions. Anything that interferes with any of these factors can lead to impotence, and that can include arteriosclerosis, or peripheral vascular disease; the use of certain medications listed later in this section; alcohol, or cigarettes; a history of sexually transmitted disease; and chronic illness such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
Impotence is extremely common in men who have diabetes; the estimate is that 50 percent of men with diabetes are impotent and that the other 50 percent will become impotent over time. Hormonal imbalances such as low levels of thryoid hormone may also contribute to the problem. Low levels of the hormone testosterone are rarely the cause of ED. Testosterone is responsible for the process of desire, not for ED-but of course, lack of desire may be the problem. If desire is not there in the first place, it is difficult to either get or maintain an erection. Loss of libido (sexual desire) may be caused by depression, illness, or medications, and of course, a waning attraction to one’s partner.
ED may be chronic or recurring, or it may occur as a single isolated incident. One or two occurrences, however, are rarely thought of as impotence, although they may be upsetting at the time. Most of the men who have this problem are age forty or over (one in three men over sixty is affected), but those under forty may also have the problem.
In the past, it was assumed that impotence was primarily a psychological problem, but many therapists and physicians today believe that as many as 85 percent of all cases of impotence have some physical basis. The Association for Male Sexual Dysfunction recognizes over 200 drugs that may cause impotence. Some of the most common are alcohol, antidepressants, antihistamines, antihypertensives, blood-pressure medication, cancer chemotherapy, diuretics, narcotics, nicotine, sedatives, steroids (if abused), stomach acid inhibitors, and ulcer medications. Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries (one type of arteriosclerosis), poses a risk to the condition of both the heart and the penis (impotence can, in fact, be a symptom of this disorder). Most people today know smoking and eating fatty foods lead to the production of plaques that clog arteries and block the flow of blood to the heart. These plaques also can block the arteries leading to the genitals, interfering with the ability to attain an erection
Impotence Causes
Physical impotence occurs when there is a problem with any of the systems needed to get or maintain an erection. The good news is that potency can usually be restored when a man is treated for underlying medical conditions, when medications are adjusted or when lifestyle habits are changed.
Here are some of the top causes of impotence:
- Smoking
- Alcoholism
- Diabetes
- Disease of the Nervous System
- Hormone Imbalance
Home remedies To Cure Impotence
- Ashwagandha and schizandra, both Ayurvedic herbs, are said to ensure potency and increase fertility.
- Damiana is good for improving blood flow to the genital area and increasing desire.
- Sarsaparilla contains a testosterone-like substance for men.
- Lycopodium: People who need this remedy may have problems with erections because of worry, and can also be troubled by memory loss. They often lack self-confidence. People who need this remedy often have digestive problems with gas and bloating, and an energy slump in the late afternoon and evening. Often useful for old people.
- Fifty grams each to dry Amla and Mango Ginger (Amla Haldi) should be powdered and mixed with an equal weight of raw Sugar. The daily morning dose is six grams, taken with milk.
- Viagrin from Fountain of Youth Technologies is a blend of yin-yang-huo and other herbs that is said to increase erectile ability and promote endurance. It may also help restore sexual desire in women.
- SensualiTea from UniTea Herbs contains damiana, sarsaparilla, and licorice root. It can be found in many health food stores that sell bulk herbs.
- Saw Palmetto Supreme from Gaia Herbs is an herbal tincture that helps to normalize prostate function.
- Fifty grams each of kernels of the seeds of Bastard Teak ( Dhak ) and Siris tree finely ground and mixed with 50 grams of raw Sugar should be taken in six grams doses every morning for three weeks to relieve the condition.
Diet and prevention tips for impotence
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Include in the diet pumpkin seeds, bee pollen, or royal jelly.
- Avoid alcohol, particularly before sexual encounters.
- Do not consume animal fats, sugar, or fried or junk foods.
- Do not smoke. Avoid being around cigarette smoke.
- A good diet and a regular exercise program are a more dependable path to better sex than are goats’ eyes, deer sperm, and frogs’ legs. A good mental state is equally important.
- If impotence is linked to high levels of the hormone prolactin, bromocriptine (Parlodel) may be prescribed to correct the problem.
Useful References