Is it me or just ED?

So lately you may have noticed that your bedroom sessions have been less frequent, shorter, or all out non-existent. You ask your partner what’s wrong and you get the same excuses of being too tired or just simply not in the mood. But, then you ask yourself, when are men ever not in the mood? Inset panic.

You begin to wonder if he has lost interest, if you are all of a sudden unappealing to him. So, yes, you may have gained a pound or two, but does that really justify a loss of all sexual interest? Calm down, before you lose every shred of confidence, rationalize the situation.

Don’t blame yourself for your man’s lagging libido; take a moment to consider the other underlying causes that may be producing the problem. Impotency, or erectile dysfunction, is a common issue many men will face as they get older and may be the reason your man is not feeling as frisky as he used to.

Men suffering from heart conditions or high blood pressure have a higher probability of becoming impotent. Strong blood flow is vital for an erection; therefore men who have cardiovascular issues will be more likely to experience erectile dysfunction. If your man is having trouble getting or maintaining an erection this may be the cause.

But what should you do if your man has no heart problems and is still experiencing impotency? Again, relax, there may be many other reasons your man is having trouble. There are other health concerns that could be causing the complications. Low testosterone, diabetes, obesity, stress, depression, and even alcohol and drug abuse can potentially lead to erectile dysfunction.

So remember, before you think the sole reason your sex life is lacking is that you are no longer attractive to your partner, consider that the problem may be caused by an underlying health concern. In fact, talking to your partner about impotency in the bedroom can actually lead him to find treatment for a problem that could be even more serious.

VIsiting the Virtual Doctor

The age of the Internet has made acquiring goods easier than ever. With the click of a mouse almost anything we could imagine can be shipped right to our front porches. Even those things we would normally be too embarrassed to buy in a store. While inconspicuous shopping can be helpful in certain situations, it can be harmful in others, especially when dealing with prescription medications.

So maybe you have been feeling a little lackluster in the bedroom lately. You think it could be impotency but are embarrassed about communicating the problem to your doctor or partner. You know all about the different pills and have seen countless television commercials for them. You begin to do some research on the web and find that there are thousands of online pharmacies just waiting to sell you a bottle of Viagra, no prescription needed. Add to cart. Checkout. Done.

So you have saved yourself the embarrassment of going to the doctor about your bedroom dilemma and are now taking that little blue pill and feeling manlier than ever in the sack. Therefore all is good or is it? The surface problem of impotency has been taken care of, but are you really treated? As convenient as Internet shopping is, it is not always the best solution to dealing with erectile dysfunction, at least not without seeing a doctor first.

The biggest reason for avoiding the Internet to self-medicate is because the Internet cannot diagnose you. It cannot explain what the underlying cause of your impotency is. For all you know your erectile dysfunction could very well be an early sign of heart disease. Or it could also just be a reaction to stress. Either way, if you are experiencing impotency the first call should be to your doctor, once you know what is causing the problem you and your doctor can work together to find a solution.

Impotency in Men Under 40

Rarely do men under the age of 40 consider themselves to be impotent. Yet, erectile dysfunction knows no age and even men in their 20′s and 30′s can find themselves dealing with sexual inadequacies.

Males 40 and older often experience impotency because of underlying health concerns, mainly vascular, such as heart disease and high blood pressure. These concerns very rarely are the cause of impotency in younger men, yet it is not impossible for a pre-existing heart condition to be the culprit.

Then what is causing those with no known heart or vascular conditions to face sexual hurdles in the bedroom? While obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and diabetes are sometimes the cause of erectile dysfunction in those under 40, it is actually psychological issues that lead to most known cases impotency in younger men.

Psychological issues do not end at simple depression. In fact, not all of the psychological problems are biological; some are caused by cultural stereotypes, peer pressure, and even confusion about one’s owns sexual preference. Even simple stress over debt, jobs, relationships, and familial matters can cause an average, healthy, twenty-something male to be unable to perform in bed.

Yet we never see the 20- and 30-year-olds starring in the latest commercial for Viagra, men this age are usually those staring half naked in commercials where they always get the girl and have no trouble satisfying. But living in denial is no way to solve the problem.

Maybe you aren’t yet comfortable talking to someone about your sexual issues, in the mean time, attempt small lifestyle changes that may be of help: limit smoking and drinking, exercise, and take time to relax from certain stressors you may be dealing with.

If after these changes you are still dealing with erectile dysfunction it may be time to work up the courage to go see a doctor to make sure there is no serious health concern causing the problem.

Weight and Sexual Wellness

Whether you are already impotent and looking for reasons and treatments or are curious about the risks of erectile dysfunction there is one thing you should know, your weight can be a definite factor in whether or not you could face sexual issues.

Obesity is one of the fastest growing epidemics we face today. Countless studies show that obesity can increase the risk of many health complications, and erectile dysfunction is no exception.

Excessive weight gain can lead to many serious health concerns such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, low testosterone, infertility, and low self-esteem. All of these health concerns caused by obesity can be linked to causes of erectile dysfunction. Men who are obese are much more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction than men of healthy weights.

A sturdy cardiovascular system is vital for sexual function because erections depend on strong vascular blood flow. When a man is carrying excessive body fat there is pressure put on the vascular system therefore causing weaker blood flow and ultimately softer or non-existent erections.

The greater the level of obesity the greater the chance of erectile dysfunction, and at the same time the more exercise and healthy habits you add to your daily life the more likely you are to find relief of impotency.

Fortunately, for those who had no serious health concerns, other than being excessively overweight, are often able to overcome their erectile dysfunction as they drop the extra pounds. A better sex life isn’t the only reason to drop the weight, even though it is a great motivator, but also dropping the weight can help prevent even more serious problems from forming.

Many men fail to see how their weight could be affecting their sex life. So if you have become aware that your bedroom sessions have fizzled mainly because you have been impotent, but otherwise healthy, get in touch with your doctor. Together you can work on a nutrition and exercise plan that can help begin to reverse the negative sexual effects of obesity.

Helping Your Partner Cope With Impotency

So, you have just found out your partner is suffering from erectile dysfunction or impotency and you want to know what you can do to help him cope and to help treat the problem.

Be sure to have open communication with your partner. Let him know that this isn’t a problem that he has to deal with alone, you are there for him and you understand that it is neither his fault or your own that sex hasn’t been running smoothly. The more understanding you are and the more they know you are there for them the less stress and embarrassment your partner will deal with, which is good because extra stress can only exacerbate the problem.

Let your partner know that his current inability to get or maintain an erection in no way alters your sexual or emotional desire of him, be sure to let him know he is still masculine and appealing. Erectile dysfunction can easily cause a loss of confidence and self-esteem making it harder to treat the issue so reminding him of this can only help treatment work quicker.

Although he may not be comfortable with the idea, offer to go with him to visit his doctor concerning the problem. If he is receptive to the offer it will make it easier for you both to work on the problem because you will both be on the same page about causes and treatment and communication will flow much easier between you both.

If his doctor recommends changes in diet or exercise, offer to begin a new healthy regimen with him. If you both change lifestyle habits together there is a greater chance that he will stick with the program.

And finally, don’t give up in the bedroom, remember that this may not be an issue that can be cured overnight, patience is the most important thing and always remember to work on finding other ways to stay close while working towards treatment.

Live a Long and Healthy Life

How long you live and how healthy your remain in your later years is directly related to the lifestyle choices you make early on. The difference in life expectancy between men and women, roughly 5 or more years, is generally attributed to the fact that women take better care of themselves then men do. They are more likely to seek out medical attention when a problem arises, whereas men tend to ignore problems or delay going to see a doctor to asses the situation. Aside from seeing a physician when ill, you should have a primary doctor and visit him once a year for a general checkup. This would also be the time to have age-related, routine screenings done which can prevent a problem from occurring in the first place, or catch it early if a problem is discovered. A yearly checkup is also the time to make sure you receive yearly preventative shots for the flu and pneumonia. Another way to insure a happy, healthier life, is to watch what you eat. Healthy eating will lead to a healthier life. Along with healthy eating, regular exercise and keeping your weight down, will add up to a lifetime of benefits. When you look and feel your best, you will feel more confident, perform better, and lead a happier, healthier life. Smoking and drinking are lifestyle choices that can adversely effect your health and impact your longevity. Quitting cigarettes and drinking in moderation, will improve your overall health and lower your risks of contracting diseases related to engaging in these risky behaviors, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer. As you get older, and your life slows down a bit, it is still important to remain socially plugged in. Spending time with friends and family, and participating in regular social activities can maintain your physical, mental, and emotional health.

Smokers Twice as Likely to Experience Impotence

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Smoking, while always known to be harmful to one’s health, is the leading cause of male impotence and erectile dysfunction. In addition to causing life-threatening ailments such as cancer and lung disease, smoking causes severe atherosclerosis, which is the blockage of blood vessels in one’s body. While the condition is known for blocking blood vessels near the heart, it also blocks the blood vessels near the male reproductive system.

Smoking hinders the body’s ability to keep your blood vessels smooth and clog-free, which makes it nearly impossible to get an erection, as there is simply a lack of blood flow. While medications such as Viagra and Cialis attempt to rectify the situation, they may not be capable of treating conditions because of decades or years of smoking relentlessly. Save money on prescriptions – and cigarettes – while rehabilitating your sex life. The damage done while smoking cannot be reversed, but stopping will improve your chances for having a healthy reproductive system.

Furthermore, smoking reduces the body’s ability to produce nitric oxide, which is a key component to keeping your blood vessels healthy. Nitric oxide acts as a signal inside the vessels (called endothelium), which tells your body to increase the flow of blood to your various organs by relaxing the vessels, thus keeping them plaque free and smooth. This is the reason why smokers usually have high blood pressure.

According to recent studies, researchers believe smokers are twice as likely to experience male impotence when compared to non-smokers. The longer someone smokes, the more severe his or her symptoms are going to be. The same researchers found that smokers who quit early on have a better chance of regaining their penile functionality, whereas long-time smokers may never regenerate healthy blood vessels during their lifetime. The risks increase exponentially the younger one begins smoking cigarettes.

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Medication as a Cause for Male Impotence

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Many ailments may cause impotence, including prescription and over-the-counter medications. Male impotence is a condition in which men have difficulty performing sexually. The main symptoms include the inability to get or maintain an erection. Certain antidepressants, opiates, antihistamines, diuretics, as well as chemotherapy and hormone medications may contribute to male impotence.

Antidepressants fight a variety of psychiatric and mental health disorders, including bipolar disease, severe mood swings, and clinical depression. Some of the most popular medicines that may contribute to impotence include Valium, Zoloft, and Prozac.

People often take antihistamines because they have reactions to seasonal allergies and other elements, such as dust mites and pollen. Thousands of Americans take these medications daily, but studies indicate they might contribute to a man’s impotence. Benadryl, Dramamine, and Zantac are three of the most common antihistamine drugs.

Diuretics and medicines that treat high blood pressure attempt to remove excess fluids from the body while opening up blood vessels. People assume these medications would help impotence, but they do not help circulate the blood flow to the penile region. Lasix and Aldactone treat fluid retention and high blood pressure while exacerbating impotence issues.

Painkillers, if taken in excess and routinely, may cause male impotence because of their suppressive qualities. Common painkillers such as codeine, morphine, and oxycontin hinder the body’s ability to get an erection. Any painkiller taken in excess or without a doctor’s order is not advised. Sudafed and Ibuprofen may or may not cause impotence, but should not be taken in high doses for extended periods.

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