A type of sexual dysfunction, impotence is when men cannot perform sexually. Also known as Erectile Dysfunction (ED), impotence results when men are not able to get an erection or make it last long enough for sexual performance. Some men also have problems with ejaculation in this condition.
A disorder rooted in physical problems yet having deep mental ramifications, ED is not easy to battle with. Other than the fact that people cannot openly talk about it due to the stigma attached, impotence not only takes a toll on social life but also deprives men of a fundamental pleasure in life.
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Causes of Impotence
There are a lot of factors at play that can potentially lead to ED. Age is a significant contributor; the chances of ED increase with age. Sometimes, certain diseases also lead to impotence; mostly its cardiovascular diseases and problems like hypertension that result in impotence. It is only when there is sufficient blood flow to the penis that the cells in it stiffen to cause an erection. Thus, any disruption therein leads to ED.
Similarly, diseases of the nervous system like Parkinson’s disease can also be the root cause of ED. Other physical problems like obesity, lack of exercise, diabetes, injury to the penis, spinal injuries, prostate cancer, etc. can also cause impotence.
Psychological factors like stress, depression also endanger sexual health and can lead to erectile dysfunction. Lifestyle choices are just as important; lack of proper sleep, smoking, drinking, drugs, etc. also can potentially lead to ED.
Impotence Treatment
In most of the cases, impotence can be treated with correct medical guidance. There is a wide range of treatment approaches and options available that target the problem as per the nature of the cause.
Non-Invasive Impotence Treatment
The first round of treatment starts with non-invasive approaches. These are safer than the surgical alternatives, however, are contingent on the condition of the patients. Some of the popular approaches are:
1. Oral medicines
Thanks to Viagra, many people are aware of the medicines that can be used that cause an erection. Other similar drugs include tadalafil, vardenafil, avanafil. Basically, these drugs work by increasing the blood flow to the penis. However, these drugs require one to be sexually stimulated to work and have to be taken an hour or so before having sex.
There are many side-effects of these medicines as well. Headaches, blue-tinted vision, digestive issues, muscle aches, stuffy nose can be expected in the aftermath of the usage. In some cases, they also cause hearing and backache issues.
These medicines are not suitable for everyone; those taking nitrates should absolutely not take these. Also, people suffering from heart, liver, eye diseases, and hypertension should explore other impotence treatment options. Hence, it is vital to only use them after consultation with your doctor.
2.Alprostadil
Alprostadil injections are also used when oral medicines fail. These injections are inserted into the side of the penis and work by increasing blood flow to it. They have a good success rate and can be supplemented with other drugs to be more effective. Alprostadil can also be taken in pellet form that is placed inside the urethra.
Alprostadil gives a quicker erection, in 15-20 minutes, although it takes time to subside.
3.Vacuum Erection Devices
To use this device, the person has to place a tube over their penis and turn on the device, which then removes all the air out of the tube. The vacuum that is created propels the blood into the penis, making it stiff. A band is then wrung around the base of the penis to hold the blood in. This is not safe for people having bleeding disorders or are taking medicines to prevent blood clot formation.
4.Surgical Impotence Treatment
Surgical treatments are only opted for when the above fail. Surgery carries risks of its own and is not suitable for older men.
5.Vascular Reconstructive Surgery
This option is only available for men who suffer from ED due to some injury. A graft is used to provide an alternative blood supply route to the penis and ergo the blood is able to bypass the blockage. This surgery might not always be effective.
6.Penile Implants
There are two types of penile implants that are used; semi-rigid or inflatable.Â
In the semi-rigid or the bendable implants, rods are placed inside the penis. These can be easily moved in an upward direction to get an erection. The con of this implant is that the penis always remains semi-rigid.
Therefore, inflatable devices are more often preferred as they’re less obvious than the alternative. Cylinders containing fluid are placed inside the penis, whereas the pump connected to them is generally located inside the scrotum. When operated, the pump inflates the cylinders, erecting the penis. Inflatable devices give a more natural erection, with the man asserting greater control over it.
The downside of implants is that they can malfunction and might need another surgery for replacement. Also, once these fail, other non-invasive methods will not work either.
7.Therapy for impotence treatment
For in cases where the culprit of ED is mental and performance anxiety, stress, and depression, doctors recommend seeking therapy. A psychologist or psychiatrist can help people from the mental funk causing this disease.
8.Lifestyle changes to treat ED
Patients who suffer from ED due to their bad lifestyle choices need to revert to healthier options. They should quit smoking, drinking, and drugs. Obese people need to lose the extra weight. Pelvic floor and anxiety exercises are also helpful.
If you are suffering from impotence you should consult with a top sexologist in Lahore, Karachi or Islamabad. You can book an appointment with a sexologist in Lahore, Karachi or Islamabad via oladoc.com or by calling at 042-38900939.
