About Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction: The inability to achieve penile erection or to maintain an erection until ejaculation
The mechanics of erection
Causes of erectile dysfunction
Treating erectile dysfunction homeopathically
Natural Tips to Minimize Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is a sexual dysfunction characterized by the inability to develop or maintain an erection of the penis for satisfactory sexual intercourse regardless of the capability of ejaculation. There are various underlying causes, including Type 1 diabetes, many of which are medically reversible. Due to its personal nature, the subject has been taboo for a long time. In fact, according to the American Urological Association, more than 25 million men in the U.S. suffer from some sort of erectile dysfunction, but because the level of distress is so variable with this condition, only 5 percent of them have sought treatment.
The mechanics of erection
When a man is sexually excited, the arteries in the penis relax and widen. This allows more blood to flow into the penis. The increased blood flow causes the penis to become hard and erect. The veins that normally carry blood away from the penis then become compressed. This restricts the blood flow out of the penis. With more blood flowing in and less flowing out, the penis enlarges, resulting in an erection. Sometimes the nerves or blood vessels that are part of this process don't work properly. If this happens, a man may not be able to achieve erection, resulting in ED. ED may occur regularly or only once in a while. Most men with ED have it just some of the time.
Causes of erectile dysfunction
- Normal erections during sleep and in the early morning suggest a psychogenic cause
- Loss of erections during sleep and/or morning erections may signify underlying disease, often cardiovascular in origin
- Certain diseases, including diabetes mellitus (causing neuropathy), hypogonadism (decreased testosterone levels due to disease affecting the testicles or the pituitary gland), atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, and peripheral vascular disease
- Certain medications, including anti-hypertensives (for controlling high blood pressure) and anti-depressants
- Lack of desire for partner
Treating erectile dysfunction homeopathically
Homeopathy can be very effective in treating erectile dysfunction, as well as safe and easy-to-use, with minimal risk of side effects. There is an increasing amount of scientific evidence which confirms the efficacy of homeopathic medicines, and more and more men who face erectile dysfunction experience benefit from this natural form of treatment.
From the homeopathic point of view, using drugs such as Viagra® to treat ED can lead to deeper health problems. Homeopathic Masculine Formula from Simple Medicinals includes key remedies to help strengthen erections and increase stamina. But for deeper treatment, a constitutional remedy should be chosen by an experienced practitioner, to fit a person on many levels, and bring the body into better balance.
Natural Tips to Minimize Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction can be naturally minimized by making some or all of the following lifestyle changes:
- Stop smoking cigarettes. Nicotine can reduce genital blood flow and cause impotency.
- Question the effect of current medications. Many drugs cause ED.
- Avoid alcohol, especially before sexual activity.
- Do not eat sugar, fried foods, junk foods, or animal fats -- and get plenty of exercise. ED is often linked with restricted blood flow to the penis, so it's important to keep your heart and arteries in good working condition.
- Work with a skilled psychotherapist or sex therapist. Learn to discuss your feelings openly and seek to find and heal any psychological trauma that may stand between you and a healthy sex life.
- Practice daily stress relief techniques such as meditation and yoga.
- Use a remedy-enhanced lubricant during sexual activity. Integrate Homeopathic Masculine Formula into your daily self-care routine.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a professional health practitioner.
Bibliography
"erectile dysfunction." The American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2002. Answers.com 19 Mar. 2006. http://www.answers.com/topic/erectile-dysfunction
"erectile dysfunction." Wikipedia. Wikipedia, 2005. Answers.com 19 Mar. 2006. http://www.answers.com/topic/erectile-dysfunction
