Impotence is the inability to maintain an erection of the penis for satisfactory sexual intercourse regardless of the status of ejaculation. Penile erection is managed by two different mechanisms: The first one is the reflex erection, which is achieved by directly touching to the penile shaft and the second is the psychogenic erection, which is achieved by erotic stimuli. The first one uses the peripheral nerves and the lower parts of the spinal cord, whereas the second one uses the limbic system of the brain.
In both conditions, an intact neurologic system is required for a successful and complete erection. Stimulation of penile shaft by the nervous system gives rise to the secretion of nitric oxide (NO), which causes the relaxation of smooth muscles of corpora cavernosa (the main erectile tissue of penis), subsequently giving rise to penile erection. Additionally, adequate levels of testosterone (produced by the testes) and an intact pituitary gland are required for the development of a healthy male erectile system. As can be understood from the mechanisms of a normal erection, impotence may develop due to hormonal deficiency, disorders of the neurologic system, lack of adequate penile blood supply or psychological problems.
Medical Treatment of Impotence
•Medical substances and conservative methods: Previously, medical substances were used to be directly injected into the erectile tissue of penile shaft to treat impotence. In some cases, refractory to the medical treatment, a penile implant (penile prosthesis) could be advised. After the discovery of orally active agents that increase the efficacy of NO, which dilates the blood vessels of corpora cavernosa, more conservative methods were started to be used.
•Visit a Doctor and be honest: Of course, your true first step in getting rid of erectile dysfunction would be to see a doctor. Research shows a connection between cardiovascular disease and erectile dysfunction., so you have to be careful about sex.
Make sure before you go ahead with any treatments you find out what the cause of your erectile dysfunction is. Without knowing that you run other health risks.
•Quit smoking: You should quit no matter what, but smoking can make the problem worse. What smoking does is lowers the level of nitric oxide, which allows blood flow so you are able to get an erection.
•Avoiding certain drugs: Certain drugs can certainly make matter worse or even cause the problem. Run everything by your doctor to make sure they are not causing any problems.
•Taking certain drugs: Medical treatments to get rid of Erectile Dysfunction will probably be oral pills like Viagra, Levitra and Cialis. Viagra continues to dominate the market.
They all work like this: Nitrous oxide (NO) acts on blood vessels by increasing the levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate, which is required for dilation of the vessels. Phosphodiesterases block this substance and reduce the effect of NO on erectile tissue. By using Viagra and so on, NO’s effects are increased and a more sustained penile erection can be achieved.
Natural Treatment of Impotence
•Yohimbe: Yohimbe is a folk remedy from Africa that dates back centuries. The study done by Dr. E. Ernst entitled "Yohimbine for erectile dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials" has found some evidence to suggest that if the ingredients claimed to be active in Yohimbe aren't providing relief from erectile dysfunction, then placebo effects are.
•Fava beans: Fava beans and fava bean sprouts have been suggested to be aphrodisiacs and natural erection enhancers because they contain a compound called L-dopa, which can induce erections—even painfully so if the dose is strong enough. A normal serving of 8 oz. is suggested before the "big night." Fava bean sprouts apparently contain a more concentrated amount of L-dopa than the beans themselves.
•Ginko biloba: Ginko biloba is recommended by the University of Maryland Medical Center as both a standalone treatment for erectile dysfunction and as a complementary supplement to Papaverine, a drug commonly prescribed to help improve blood flow. Ginko is generally used to improve blood flow to the brain by relaxing blood vessels. If it can be assumed that ginko eases blood flow to the brain, then it should do the same for the male penis.
A few causes of impotence may be iatrogenic (medically caused). Various medications intended to control blood pressure or to modify central nervous system response may inhibit erection by denying blood supply or by altering nerve activity. Surgical intervention for a number of different conditions may remove anatomical structures necessary for erection, damage nerves or impair blood supply.
Treatment of impotence depends largely on the cause. Testosterone supplements may be used for cases with hormonal deficiency. However, usually the cause is lack of adequate penile blood supply as a result of age-dependent damage of the inner walls of blood vessels.