Erectile dysfunction. Mens Health. How to keep it up.
Now we're talking about erectile dysfunction... Let's start with some bad news, and get perkier (sorry) as we go along. Something like 80% of men with diabetes will suffer some level of erectile dysfunction: inability to achieve or maintain an erection. This is because the nerves and blood circulation are damaged by high blood sugar levels.
To stay hard enough for intercourse, the brain, nerves, hormones and blood vessels need to work together. Basically, your penis listens to its own nerve impulses (direct touch) and to the brain's messages (if it becomes aroused by thoughts, emotions, stimulation of other senses). When these message systems break down, it's hard (sorry) to keep it up.
Ever heard of 10cc? They're a British pop group, but it's also roughly the amount of blood needed to achieve an erection. If your blood vessels have furred or become clogged up with gunk, that small amount of blood just won't be able to get through and stay in there.
The best treatment for this is prevention. Tightly control of this trio:
YOGA:
Some yoga poses can help with this problem. Many local learning centres run classes for beginners. It's a fantastic exercise for helping with circulation, stress, depression and general flexibility. If the cause of your erectile problems are due to poor circulation or anxiety, this is an excellent hobby to get into, but...
if the causes of your erectile dysfunction are neurological, twisting your bits upside down and back to front will do nothing to reverse the condition.
RECREATIONAL DRUGS:
Using these may feel good in the short term, but they are proven to turn Mr Happy into Mr Floppy: Alcohol, weed, cocaine, heroin.
TOO LATE?
If you're reading this and think it's too late, don't worry. Early nerve damage is reversible just by taking back control of the trio. Look after your circulation: that can be done with diet, a bit of gentle exercise every day, stopping smoking, and lowering blood sugar, pressure and cholesterol to normal levels.
SMOKING
Smoking is a biggie. If you smoke, you're killing your hard-on with every inhalation. Smoking narrows arteries, which leads to a less efficient blood circulation.
COMMON SIDE EFFECTS OF MEDICATION:
Consider, too, side-effects. It's worth noting that your problem may not be caused by neuropathy or circulation problems at all. Have you read the side effects leaflet with the medications you are currently taking? Some commonly-used medications cause libido problems. For example: blood pressure tablets, anti-depressants, anti-anxiety medications, fibrates or statins, prostate drugs, acid reflux medications, heart failure drugs... The list is probably endless. Needless to say:
DO NOT STOP TAKING YOUR PRESCRIBED MEDICATION!!!
IRREVERSIBLE NEUROPATHY
If your neuropathy is permanent, there's a vast array of treatments available on the NHS such as implants, vacuums, injections and even therapy if you fancy it.
Oh, and...
Beware: Some drugs—Viagra for example—used to combat impotence have been linked with NAION (non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy) which results in permanent blindness.
So, before you go all willy-nilly and buy the first quick fix that you see...
Go and see the doc, tell them what's going on and ask for help. Impotence is a growing problem (sorry...couldn't resist that) and for the sake of five minute's embarrassment, you can be pointed in the right direction again (god, I'm so sorry).
Till next time...
enough of erectile dysfunction mens health--pick a better symptom
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