The Two Main Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

By Stephanie Rolfe CNC

The two main causes of primary and secondary impotence are psychological and physical.

Primary impotence or psychogenic impotency is psychological and leaves men not capable of having any sexual intercourse whatsoever. Psychological causes include all work related stress or anxiety, sexual performance, relationship problems, depression, feelings of guilt, and the effects of a past sexual trauma or religious suppression.

Secondary impotence or organic impotence can be of a psychological nature; however, it is more related to the moment. Time and place, mood, feelings toward their loved one, etc. Men with secondary impotence can on occasion enjoy sexual relations but not every time.

Physiological (physical) causes;

• Chronic diseases such as kidney or liver failure, diabetes, heart and blood vessel diseases.

• Neurological disorders and hormonal imbalances.

• Alcoholism and drug abuse factor strongly as causes.

• The side effects of some medications, including some antidepressant drugs that have serious affects on the sexually functioning individual.

• Environmental pollutants, especially in the heavy metals that the body retains, also play a part in this disorder.

• Cigarette smoking.

Smoking is a very strong factor because of how nicotine can reduce overall circulation, resulting in diminished blood flow in the body, specifically to the penis. There are detailed studies that show direct correlation between smoking and impotence. Without sounding preachy, if you want to be virile, you must quit smoking.

My husband was a serious cigarette addict. I thought his method of quitting was excellent. After trying all the usual cures known to man, he gave up and asked his MD for a prescription to make him sleep for four days, which he did. After staying asleep through most of the nasty withdrawal symptoms, he woke up refreshed and full of energy. He'd never had such a good sleep ever! He hasn't picked up a cigarette since. WHATEVER it takes to quit, do it. It doesn't matter what drug you take to help you out, getting out of the nicotine prison is more important.

The primary physical sources of impotence in a nutshell, are:

• Chronic stress.

• Lack of physical fitness.

• Hormone imbalances.

• Nutritional deficiencies.

• Poor diet.

All of which can be simply and easily corrected without drugs, using safe herbal remedies. What it does require though, is taking complete responsibility for your having developed the condition through lack of responsibility in the first place. Now that’s a somewhat bitter pill to swallow. But it won't make you blind.

THE CAUSES OF IMPOTENCE

a) Blood Flow

Arterial or vascular blood flow is said to be one of the most common sources of impotence. High cholesterol, hypertension, high blood pressure, diabetes and hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), will definitely reduce the flow of blood to the penis. The largest groups of impotence sufferers are diabetics and those with cardiovascular diseases.

b) Neurological Disorders

Stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis and diabetes cause nerve damage that can influence the minds ability to respond to stimulation. Prostate enlargement, prostate surgery or prostate cancer commonly contribute to this affliction.

c) Low Hormone Impotence

In men, testosterone levels reduce about one percent per annum, which is why we are expected to have less interest with aging. In women also testosterone decreases contributing to a waning of sexual interest. You can try hormone therapy with considerable side effects. Testosterone is only available by prescription, where DHEA and Pregnenolone are the over the counter medications that convert into testosterone, and can be considered a treatment for low virility. Herbal aphrodisiacs, of which there are many, are said to have a good influence and effect on your hormonal output.

d) Impotence from Pharmaceutical Drugs

This is scary. First we take drugs for some health related disorder (like depression or high blood pressure) and then we take drugs (like Viagra) to counter the effects of the drugs. This is quite a merry go round, where only the drug companies profit and you lose. Literally!

Impotence related drugs;

• Atenolol (beta blocker)

• Beta blockers

• Anti hypertensives

• SSRI's (Prozac etc.) Affect serotonin levels negatively

• Sedatives

• Propranolol (beta blocker)

• Steroids

• Finasteride, used for enlarged prostate. Also known as (propecia and proscar)

• Alcohol definitely affects our sex drive with increasing age.

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