Is Erectile dysfunction troubling you - By Dr. P.T Ezhil Selvan

Impotence, or erectile dysfunction (ED, E.D.), as andrologists prefer to call it, has always been and continues to remain an extremely common disorder. It is said to afflict as much as 10 percent of the male population. Above the age of 40, nearly 52 % of men are affected. Despite this staggering incidence, few cases come to light.

Contrary to popular belief, impotence is almost never an 'all or none' phenomenon. Most laymen (and several doctors) believe that a man can either have an erection of very good quality or none at all. Nothing can be farther from the truth. Most men with erectile dysfunction have normal desire and can obtain an erection, only the erection is not hard enough or doesn't last long enough, Hence the term erectile dysfunction (which suggests partial loss) is preferred to impotence (which suggests a total loss). Not many are aware that in most cases organic rather than psychological causes are responsible.

Symptoms and Causes

Commonly called male impotence, ED is the inability to achieve or maintain penile erections sufficient for intercourse. ED often has a psychological component, and counseling with a psychotherapist or sex therapist often resolves the problem. ED can also be a symptom of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, both of which can impair blood supply to the penis. In addition, many medications, including those prescribed for high blood pressure and mental health conditions, can interfere with sexual functioning. Tobacco, cocaine, stimulants and alcohol may also play a role.

Suggested Lifestyle Changes

Bear in mind that some of the problems leading to erectile dysfunction may lend themselves to the following non-drug (and cost-free) solutions:  

• Stop smoking. Nicotine can reduce genital blood flow and impair potency.
• Check your meds. ED and sexual dysfunction are unfortunate side effects of many drugs. Consult with your pharmacist or doctor regarding substituting alternate medication without these effects.
• Limit alcohol consumption. Alcohol’s depressive effects can have a negative impact on sexual functioning.

• Shape up. ED is often linked with restricted blood flow to the penis. Keep your heart and arteries in good condition by maintaining a healthy weight, and following a diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Avoid saturated fats and trans fats. Regular aerobic exercise can both improve blood flow to the genitals and reduce the stress that can contribute to ED.

• Deal with anxiety, depression and stress. These feelings may undermine desire and potency. Practice a daily stress-reduction technique such as breath work, meditation or yoga. Talk with your partner openly and honestly about your needs – and their needs – to help ease relationship tensions and avoid resentment and misunderstandings.
• Don’t worry about your age. Sexual activity needn’t end because of age – that’s a myth you can discard.  

Supplements

Ashwagandha, from the roots of a plant in the nightshade family called Withania somnifera, is reputed to be a mild aphrodisiac and has long been popular in India. Asian ginseng, or Panax ginseng, is a good general stimulant and sexual energizer. For either or both, follow the dosage on the package, and give it a six or eight week trial to have an good effect.