If you or your partner has recently felt that something isn’t working well in the bedroom, don’t be alarmed. It’s a common problem, it’s not the end of the world, and it doesn’t put masculinity in question.
According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, at least 40% of men over 40 and more than 50% of men over 70 experience impotence or Erectile Dysfunction (ED). This can even occur regardless of age, as at least 7% of men under 40 may also suffer from it.
Fortunately, this subject is becoming less of a taboo or source of shame. There is plenty of professional help to learn how to manage it, and science, for its part, continues to develop reliable solutions we can access to regain sexual vitality and, with it, confidence.
What exactly is erectile dysfunction or impotence?
In simple terms, it refers to the inability to achieve or maintain an erection strong enough to have sexual intercourse. Don’t think that if this happens occasionally, it means the person is suffering from the condition itself. Stressful situations in daily life or common illnesses may cause a temporary lack of erection. That is completely normal. The problem arises when it happens consistently, leading to low self-esteem, psychological impact, and relationship difficulties. That’s why it’s important to take action in time.
What Factors Can Trigger Impotence?
Erectile dysfunction can have different triggers, for example:
- Andropause, also known as male aging, is characterized by reduced testosterone production.
- Lifestyle factors include poor nutrition, unhealthy diets, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor sleep quality, among others.
- Mental health problems, such as stress, depression, or anxiety.
- Use of medications, such as diuretics and antidepressants, or certain medical treatments for cancer and other conditions.
- It can also be a warning sign of health problems such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, etc. Diabetes, for example, damages nerves and blood vessels, affecting blood flow to the penis, which is essential for achieving an erection.
What NOT to Do When Experiencing Impotence
- DO NOT ignore the problem or try to hide it—this is not a smart option. The first step is to acknowledge it and seek professional help.
- DO NOT distance yourself from your partner. This will not solve the problem; on the contrary, it creates disconnection and can even lead to a permanent separation.
- DO NOT shift the blame or hold your partner responsible for the situation. Transparency and honesty are essential to the process.
- DO NOT reject your partner, make them feel unwanted, or damage their self-esteem.
Alternatives to Overcome This Problem
The best part about such a common issue is that there are many treatment and support options available. The most important thing is that they are always prescribed and supervised by a medical professional, who can take into account the individual’s specific needs and the risks of each alternative.
-Non-oral medications – Injections applied directly to the penis or urethral suppositories that also support blood flow for better erections.
- Penile implants – Devices surgically placed inside the penis to help achieve an erection.
- Healthy and Balanced Diet - A proper diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and fish high in fatty acids, is the best way to obtain antioxidants and other essential nutrients that improve performance and help prevent erectile dysfunction risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
- Support Supplements - Although not an instant fix, just like with diet, adding certain ingredients to your daily routine can be a great way to support sexual performance.
- Ginseng and beetroot extract, for example, help with nitric oxide production, improving blood flow throughout the body, which supports erections.
- Maca can help fight fatigue, improve energy, and enhance performance.
- Vitamin B, omega-3, and magnesium play a role in testosterone production and support the health of blood vessels and arteries, which are fundamental for preventing erectile dysfunction.
IMPORTANT: Regardless of the treatment you (or your partner) and your doctor choose, psychological therapy is essential to address the issue wisely, make better decisions, and even use the experience to strengthen your relationship.
It’s also crucial to make the necessary lifestyle changes to improve sexual performance and overall health in the long run.
Don’t hide a problem that could have a quick solution! If your partner or someone you know is experiencing it, help them face it with respect, empathy, and the right information. Healthy sexuality is meant to be fully enjoyed!
Reference:
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM199805143382001
