Erection problems - impotence
Erectile Dysfunction, or Impotence, affects the individual but its repercussions are felt notably in their partners which makes it a far-reaching problem; it can affect the couple’s relationship, as well as a man’s relationship with his family, at work, and social life.
The effect on his self-esteem may lead to psychological disorders of the same caliber as depression.
Impotence
10-30% of men show some form of Erectile Dysfunction (Impotence), beginning in their 50s. Impotence is very complex due to its dependence on a great many factors, on many different levels (penis, spinal cord, brain). Erectile Dysfunction (Impotence) is defined as the persistent inability of a man to maintain a firm erection long enough to have sex in a satisfactory manner. An erection may be affected by numerous problems or illnesses: psychological, vascular, neurological, pharmacological, etc. There are many pathologies and conditions that may cause impotence or are contributing risk factors leading to it: diabetes, arterial hypertension, lipid alterations (cholesterol, triglycerides), smoking habits, pharmacological treatment (antihypertensive, antidepressant, hormone treatment, etc.). It has been well-established that Erectile Dysfunction (Impotence) may be an early sign of problems affecting general health (cardiopathy, diabetes, etc.) that can de detected with adequate study. The primary physician/doctor, specialist in the treatment of illnesses related to this pathology or Erectile Dysfunction (Impotence) specialist must determine physical as well as psychic causes which may originate this pathology, identify possible illnesses linked to it, and detect potential problems in the future. Success in the study and treatment of impotence is based on the coordinated effort and collaboration between different health professionals, experts both in clinical and diagnostic aspects.
Wherever possible, a treatment plan should be set in place to determine the cause that initiated the problem (psychotherapy, hormone treatment.) If not possible or if unsuccessful, symptomatic treatment can be applied at the precise moment an erection is desired. The easiest of these to apply are oral pharmacological agents. Other symptomatic treatments include local injections of vasodilating pharmacological agents into the penis and Vacuum Constriction Device (VCD) mechanisms whereby an erection-like state is created by drawing blood into the penis with a vacuum and maintained by means of a constricting device placed about the base of the penis. When these treatments are not recommended or ineffective, penile implants may be used to restore erectile function and rigidity to the penis.
It is important to consult a physician/doctor without any fear or embarrassment when one suffers from impotence regardless of age because problems affecting general health can be detected and because there is successful treatment for most cases.
When to come in for a consultation?
When the quality of your erection is repeatedly inadequate for satisfactory sexual activity.