Erectile Dysfunction

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction, also known as ED or impotence, is the inability to attain or maintain an erection of the penis adequate for the sexual satisfaction of both partners. It can be devastating to the self-esteem of a man and of his partner. As many as 30 million American men are afflicted on a continuing basis, and transient episodes affect nearly all adult males. But nearly all men who seek treatment find some measure of relief.

As recently as two decades ago, doctors tended to blame erectile dysfunction on psychological problems or, with older men, on the normal aging process. Today, the pendulum of medical opinion has swung away from both notions. While arousal takes longer as a man ages, chronic erectile dysfunction warrants medical attention. Moreover, the difficulty is often not psychological in origin. Today, urologists believe that physical factors underlie the majority of cases of persistent erectile dysfunction in men over age 50.

Erectile dysfunction in older men. Because erections primarily involve the blood vessels, it is not surprising that the most common causes in older men are conditions that block blood flow to the penis, such as atherosclerosis or diabetes. Another vascular cause may be a faulty vein, which lets blood drain too quickly from the penis. Other physical disorders, as well as hormonal imbalances and certain operations, may also result in erectile dysfunction.

The vascular processes that produce an erection are controlled by the nervous system and certain prescription medications may have the side effect of interfering with necessary nerve signals. Among the possible culprits are a variety of stimulants, sedatives, diuretics, antihistamines, and drugs to treat high blood pressure, cancer, or depression. But never stop a medication unless your doctor tells you to. In addition, alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs, such as marijuana, may contribute to the dysfunction.

Symptoms

Erectile dysfunction is characterized by the regular or repeated inability to obtain or maintain an erection. It is analyzed in several ways:

Obtaining full erections at some times, such as when asleep (when the mind and psychological issues, if any, are less present), tends to suggest that the physical structures are functionally working.
Other factors leading to erectile dysfunction are diabetes mellitus (causing neuropathy).

How can I know if I have Erectile Dysfunction?

There are no formal tests to diagnose erectile dysfunction. Some blood tests are generally done to exclude underlying diseases, such as hypogonadism and prolactinoma. Diabetes is considered a disorder but is also a risk. Impotence is also related to generally poor physical health, poor dietary habits, obesity, and most specifically cardiovascular disease such as coronary artery disease and peripheral vascular disease.

Food That Cure Dysfunction

Dark green vegetables are a good source of zinc. It has been proven that zinc helps to improve blood flow to the major organs and has been shown to improve blood flow to the penis.

Fruits like bananas, strawberries, cantaloupe, oranges, and watermelon are a high source of phytonutrients. Watermelon especially is a good source of lycopene which relaxes blood vessels and works similarly like Viagra but this is natural without any side effects.

Asparagus is considered one of the most effective food to cure erectile dysfunction due to its nutritional qualities. Asparagus is highly rich in vitamins C, E, B1, PP, B2, and vitamin A. It also has zinc, iron, fiber, potassium and folic acid which works as a natural Viagra. These vitamins and proteins in this food for men with erectile dysfunction.

Avocado is considered a source of sexual energy among men. This green colored fruit helps treat erectile dysfunction/ the food is rich in potassium, vitamins and has non-saturated fat which not only provides sexual energy to men but also increases blood flow in the body. Cardiovascular problems are one of the common reasons behind male impotency so treat erectile dysfunction by having food like avocado.

Omega 3 Fatty Acid rich foods cures erectile dysfunction. Heart Disease and hypertension are leading causes of sexual dysfunction and a diet low in Omega-3 Fatty Acids can't help treat male impotency. Fish, eggs, walnuts and pumpkin seeds are few omega 3 fatty acid rich food.

To treat erectile dysfunction naturally, drink at least 10-12 glasses of water daily. This helps increase the volume of seminal fluid in the body. Add a few natural herbs like ginkgo biloba, onions and garlic etc to treat male impotency.

Erectile Dysfunction