Men don’t like to talk about it, but 20 million of them suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence. Essentially, the man’s penis is not able to hold the blood supply necessary to sustain an erection during sexual interaction. Of course, the chances of experiencing impotence increase with age, but a consistent loss of erectile function is not normal at any age. It can, and does, happen occasionally in any normal male, but a continued and consistent loss of function is definitely a problem. It’s often just a symptom of a bigger problem.
There are many treatments available to help a couple relieve the problem of erectile dysfunction. It’s not something you just have to deal with or ignore. There are a few things you can try on your own; but for many, it may actually mean swallowing your pride and seeing your doctor.
Most men would rather ignore it than admit that their sexual function is in any way compromised. In fact, only 1 out of every 20 will actually seek help from a doctor.
Unfortunately, when a man can’t hold an erection it can end up costing him a lot more than his pride in the long run. If there is a physical problem, it needs to be found and fixed for the gentlemen’s sexual, mental and physical well-being.
Some of the things that can get in the way are: stress and exhaustion, vascular disease, high cholesterol and blood pressure, prostate problems, smoking and excessive alcohol intake, some medications, diabetes and neurological disorders.
Connections between ED and many chronic diseases are very high. The highest correlations are between diabetes and heart disease. The prevalence of ED in men with diabetes has been reported as high as 70%. These men are also more than 60% more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke than those who are not experiencing impotence. A recent study that appeared in the Journal of American Medical Association showed that ED could be a definite warning sign of a future angina (heart pain), heart attack, stroke, ministroke, congestive heart failure, and unstable heart rhythms.
So please, even if you don’t want to discuss your real problem, see your doctor for a physical and make sure your body isn’t trying to send you hidden messages.
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