What Can Give Rise To Impotence?

Men as they are called...are a symbol of power & courage. A hunter by nature and defined so since the ancient days... but now, the times have changed. We have both the partners equally contributing for welfare of the family and the society at large. Many men equally share the duties of his partner; such as taking care of kids, assisting in household work, etc. While some believe it to be a needed revolution, some feel it as violating the age-old laws of "How things were meant to be!" But does it really make you men less competent? The answer in most cases will be a 'No'...

Well same would be applicable to few less spoken' health issues faced by men... Something as grave as 'Erectile Dysfunction' which would at some point make them feel impotent.

It stays to be a well-known condition and yet least spoken or ignored... Why?.. "It can make one question their 'Manhood'I" But dear men, speaking about impotency and understanding ways to treat it will not question your manhood but help you to address the condition and many other conditions that it signals!

WHAT IS ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION (ED)?
Erectile Dysfunction, also known as 'impotency' is a failure to achieve or maintain an erection during sexual performance. It is a condition that is majorly influenced by decreased blood flow to the two chambers in the penis namely, "Corpora, cavernosa' and 'Corpora Spongiosum' thus limiting the chances of attaining an erection.

WHAT CAN GIVE RISE TO IMPOTENCE?
Numerous factors are involved in increasing the risk of a man towards Erectile Dysfunction. The entire process of attaining an erection that sustains throughout the act involves a complex process and a systemic coordination. Hindrance at any point in any of the systems can thus cause Erectile Dysfunction. The systems which are majorly involved include,
- The brain
- A good balance in your hormones
- Contraction and relaxation of various muscles involved
- Exchange of chemical signals through a well-managed nervous system and
- Blood vessels that facilitate blood circulation to the penis

Health conditions
Presence of various health conditions can give rise to Erectile Dysfunction and majority of them are influenced by lifestyle habits. Some of the common causes of Erectile Dysfunction are diabetes, heart diseases, High blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity Also, presence of diseases such as Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis or having an enlarged prostate gland can also lead to Erectile Dysfunction.

Lifestyle habits and medications
Lifestyle habits such as consumption of tobacco, alcohol and recreational drugs can give rise to Erectile Dysfunction. Ill-managed diet which contributes towards obesity is again a causative factor of Erectile Dysfunction. Also, use of certain drugs like antihistamines, antidepressants, appetite suppressants can cause Erectile Dysfunction.

Emotional & Psychological aspects
Erectile Dysfunction is not completely an age-bound condition and is also related to many emotional & psychological aspects which can contribute towards the same. Stress due to any personal or professional reasons, relationship issues and even performance anxiety, Depression can contribute in disrupting the balance and interplay of various systems involved.

DO YOU NEED TO SEE THE DOCTOR?
Yes, timely intervention and consulting the doctor is needed. Erectile Dysfunction also serves to be a signal towards many lifestyle-related disorders and conditions. Thus, this will not only help in treating the condition at right time, but also serve as a way to identify any other underlying conditions such as diabetes, heart diseases, etc.

HOW TO MANAGE IMPOTENCE
Implementing changes in lifestyle is the best way to deal with impotence,
- Give up on habits such as Smoking or use of tobacco in any other forms. Avoid or minimise the consumption of alcohol as it can also contribute in other fatal conditions like lung cancer or liver cancer.
- If you are overweight, ensure to do regular exercise and follow a balanced diet. Being obese can not only contribute towards Erectile Dysfunction, but also affect your performance during sexual intercourse.
- Using medications as per the doctor's prescription is advised. These medications are generally involved in increasing the blood flow to the penis. However, it should be kept in mind they do come along with a set of side-effects which range from a headache, upset stomach, to vision changes, dizziness, nasal congestion, etc

Whatever be the causative factor behind ED, it is bound to create mental and emotional stress to you and even your partner. Viewing occasional Erectile Dysfunction problems as troubled health and masculinity is not the answer. Instead, speak up with your partner and discuss it freely. Avoiding the same can even make your partner feel it as a sign of disinterest. Reassure your partner. Be open and honest in sharing your worries about the condition. Treatments are found often to be more successful if you involve your partner in sharing your problems and worries regarding the condition. After all to mankind, impotency is not the end of the world...