A Look at the Symptoms, Causes and Risks of Male Impotence

May 13, 2022
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Impotence is a shudder-worthy word for most adult souls. At a time when marriage and parenthood could potentially take centrestage in one's life, impotence can wreak sweet havoc, turning intimate moments into questionable, awkward little performances. With more stressful lifestyles, slackening diets and wavering sleep cycles, impotence, a form of erectile dysfunction, is affecting a growing number of people.

Join us as we peek into the causes, symptoms and risks associated with the condition.

What is Impotence?

Impotence is a condition that prevents a person from gaining or maintaining an erection, or achieving ejaculation. It is one of the manifestations of erectile dysfunction. Impotence may be caused by emotional, psychological or physical factors, each acting either independently or as a combination.

Impotence is more likely to affect older men, especially those in the 40 to 70 years age bracket. The chances of impotence rise in proportion with age. Impotence can lead to a reduced libido, and can also impact one's self-image, peace of mind and psychological wellbeing. In turn, it can morph into more serious conditions like depression, anxiety and continued stress.

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What Are the Symptoms of Male Impotence?

If you are unable to achieve or maintain an erection, it's likely a sign of impotence. While the majority of men who experience such episodes overcome them in the long run, the condition can bear an impact on one's self-esteem. Psychological setbacks can further worsen one's performance during intercourse.

What Causes Impotence?

Impotence may be influenced by one or more of the factors spotlighted below.

  • Endocrine Disorders

The endocrine network in the human body works to release a spate of hormones to harmonise metabolism, regulate reproductive organs and maintain an emotional equilibrium. One of the conditions caused by an endocrine dysfunction is diabetes, which can consequently lead to impotence. Diabetes typically arrests the working flow of insulin, resulting in nerve impairment. This can withhold sensation and perception around the penis and also affect blood circulation and hormonal reserves. All of these triggers can catalyse impotence.

  • Neurological Dysfunction

The web of nerves in the human body are responsible for sensation. However, when the body loses the ability to command the reproductive system through nerves, reproductive organs start falling out of line. One of the by-products is the inability to gain an erection. Neurological disorders related to impotence include Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, brain or spinal injury, and tumor. Sometimes, those who have undergone a prostate surgery experience reduced sensation in the penis due to nerve damage, potentially leading to impotence.

  • Medication Courses

The thing about medications is that while they may help to control a certain condition, they may have an auxiliary impact on your blood circulation, leading to erectile dysfunction. Of course, you should never tweak a prescribed treatment plan without your doctor's advice, but keep a check on how your medication is impacting your erectile function. Your doctor may prescribe an alternate course for you if you do notice a change. Some medications that are found to bear a relation with impotence are alpha-adrenergic blockers, beta-blockers, chemotherapy medications, recreational drugs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and artificial hormones.

  • Cardiac Concerns

Cardiac conditions affect the entire body, limiting blood flow to vital organs. One of the symptoms of a cardiac problem is impotence, because the blood flow to the penis may be insufficient to cause an erection. Atherosclerosis is a condition that results in the engorgement of blood vessels, causing clotting. This can contribute to impotence.

  • Lifestyle Measures

An erection is as much an anatomical process as it is emotional. The lead up to an erection is tethered to an aroused emotional state. Thus, if a person is emotionally disturbed or suffers from emotional anxiety, sexual arousal may be affected. The continued inability to achieve an erection may also lead to performance anxiety. Performance anxiety often only rears its head during intercourse, while achieving an erection during masturbation may be unaffected.

What Are the Risk Factors of Male Impotence?

Some men may be more prone to impotence than others. Diabetes, urinary tract infection, stress, depression, anxiety, heart disorders and obesity are known to increase the chances of impotence. Similarly, antidepressants, blood pressure medication and alcohol are considered likely triggers. Certain treatments like prostate surgery and chemotherapy are also known to increase one's susceptibility.

Impotence is almost always a short-term condition. With professional help and a tailored andrology treatment, you can resume your intimacy, and reclaim all the moments you lost out on. By recognising impotence, you can bid it goodbye for good. We'll prepare you for the farewell on Cloudnine. We promise it'll be the best parting you've ever had to make.

Must read- Causes And Symptoms Of Male Infertility.