Erectile Dysfunction

Please note: erectile dysfunction and impotence will be used interchangeably.

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Mechanism of erectile function    Erectile dysfunction causes

Yohimbe and impotence

Modern technology and lifestyle have definitely increased the life span of everyone. However, the question is, is it a long healthy life? We suffer from physical infirmity as well as sexual infirmity. In this topic we discuss erectile dysfunction (ED) also known as impotence. It is a problem that affects 15 to 30 million American men. Erectile dysfunction used to be thought of as a problem occurring in the elderly man, however, younger men are now experiencing this disturbing phenomenon. Dr. Michael Murray ND and Dr. Pizzorno ND authors of the book encyclopedia of natural medicine state that "impotency is more precisely referred to as erectile dysfunction, that is, not having the ability to achieve or maintain an erection adequate for normal sexual intercourse".

Mechanism of erectile function

Erection begins with sensory or mental stimulation, or both. Impulses from the brain and local nerves cause the muscles of the penis to relax, allowing blood to flow in, the blood creates pressure allowing the penis to expand. When muscles in the penis contract to stop the inflow of blood, erection is reversed. 

Erectile dysfunction causes

Erectile dysfunction may be due to organic or psychogenic factors. 85 percent of the cases are organic ie due to physiological reasons. They can be categorized in the following way:

1) Vascular insufficiency: insufficient blood supply to the penis hence resulting in an inadequate erection.

2) Endocrine disorders: diabetes, hypothyroidism, decreased testosterone levels.

3) Other diseases or conditions that may cause ED are kidney disease, chronic alcoholism, multiple sclerosis, atherosclerosis.

4) Disease or trauma to the penis: EX: prostate disorders, surgery, injury to the spinal cord or bladder and pelvis.

5) Prescription medications - blood pressure medications, antihistamines such as those found in cough and cold products, antidepressants, tranquilizers, appetite suppressants and ulcer drugs such as cimetidine may produce ED as a side effect. 

6) Tobacco - effects blood flow in veins and arteries.

7) Psychological factors - account for 10-20 percent of cases, includes stress, performance anxiety, guilt, depression and low self esteem.

8) Old Age - usually has a physical cause such as side effects of drugs, injury or disease.

The physical challenges we face today are often related to the inevitable aging process which of course includes sexuality. Many women call their menopause a curse, but middle-aged men also get a type of male menopause. It occurs due to lowered levels of testosterone, as testosterone diminishes so does muscle tone, virility, sex drive and sexual performance ability. Lack of sexual activity may affect your attitude about life. It is a subconscious effect.  Scientists who have interviewed older men have found a pattern. First, sexual interest declines, then performance declines and soon thereafter health begins to deteriorate.

Lack of sexual desire is caused when there are some failed attempts at intercourse causing performance anxiety, leading to depression and frustration, other factors that may be responsible are general anxiety, stress and lack of rest. All of these factors lead to the feeling of lost youth and can become a psychological issue giving rise to frustration and decreased immunity resulting in frail health. According to a report in the British medical journal "regular sexual activity can increase your life span and reduce the chances of early death by nearly 51 percent". The good news is that, scientists confirm that men can have sexual interest and ability well into their 80's and that it is not unusual to find men active at that age.

Yohimbe and impotence

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