Impotence – disorder affecting hardness of male sexual organ and sexual functions

Requirements for normal sexual activity in men include: adequate sexual desire (libido), sufficient erection, ejaculation and concurrent climax (orgasm), resulting from sexual stimulation and followed by feeling of satisfaction.
Sexual desire and satiation is regulated by complex mental and hormonal, vascular, nervous and muscular and biochemical processes (factors).
Among male sexual dysfunctions the most frequent are erectile dysfunctions due to complex mental, nervous and vascular reactions required to achieve erection.

When can we talk about erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is defined as regular reduction of erection to such a degree which makes it difficult or prevents penetration of penis into vagina during sexual intercourse, or as premature termination of erection before ejaculation. In the past these difficulties were termed impotence, however this term has a derogatory even insulting undertone, therefore the term erectile dysfunction – ED has been used extensively throughout the world to describe these disorders.
According to statistical data this disorder is more frequent than we used to think, affecting up to 52% of males 40 to 70 years old. In addition to high incidence, this disorder is so serious that it leads not only to reduced self-confidence but also to significant deterioration of mental and physical condition and results in serious conflicts in partner relations.

What is the cause of erectile dysfunctions?

In the past it was thought to involve mental disorder (impotence), however this view has changed as a result of new scientific findings involving the process of erection (especially vascular mechanisms leading to erection) and as a result of changes in therapy, transforming incurable disorder into a well manageable condition.
Psychological problems are very often a cause and often a result of erectile and sexual dysfunctions. Depression, problems in relationship, family issues, work stress, effort to meet increased demands of younger partner, inappropriate, derogatory or other similar adverse expressions! These are only some of the most frequent causes and conditions accompanying as well as causing erectile dysfunction.
If for any reason the erection does not arise or if it cannot be maintained throughout the intercourse, men feel it as “failure”. Preparation for next intercourse is marked by anxiety and fear from potential failure in the course of the intercourse. The man – instead of submitting to the pleasure – continuously watches the erection. This conscious observation interferes with erection resulting in vicious circle which further complicates the issue. Erectile dysfunction resulting form mental problems are marked by the fact that very often it depends on the situation or on the partner – i.e. in case of intercourse with a different partner, the problem is eliminated. Very often the erection occurs but due to fear from failure it is terminated prematurely before penetration into vagina.
In addition to mental problems, very often deteriorated erection is among the first symptoms of a general disorder (diabetes, vascular disorders, etc.) therefore correct diagnosis and treatment are very important.

Association of erectile dysfunction with various disorders:

Structural causes of erectile dysfunction

Causing up to 70% of all erectile dysfunction cases! Most of the time these erectile dysfunctions are caused by general atherosclerosis, diabetes, hypertension etc., however there are also cases of hormonal disorders, nerve damage and penis disorders. Very often the underlying cause involves side effects of medical drugs reducing the quality of erection.

Medical drugs often causing reduction of erection quality:

Best method and therapy in case of first appearance of erection failure is prevention, visit of your general practitioner, early management of transitional failures by support therapy and modification of lifestyle. Negative attitude: “Please God, if You take away power, take also desire", must be replaced by positive attitude: “Don´t treat organ, treat the entire person!"