It is the most vicious of cycles: you fret over the sudden lack of arousal, the inability to sustain an erection; you think yourself becoming impotent, succumbing to age and all of its perils. Panic becomes common. Urgency fills each thought. And you are rendered helpless, unable to perform as you wish, unable to find satisfaction. Intercourse seems an impossibility – and one you cannot return to its former importance. You are not the man you once were. You’re instead changed… and not for the better.

So you sleep; and you dream; and you wonder if there is anything to be done. Upon waking, however, you find evidence of an erection, the nocturnal emissions. You’re confused. You thought this all was a terrible permanency, but the appearance of ejaculation leaves you suddenly relieved – and suddenly able to achieve stimulation.

The body is dependent on far more than physical sensations. It is instead dominated by psychology. Emotions like worry or fear can trigger immediate responses: such as illness, fatigue or even impotence.

Though commonly caused by a constriction of blood vessels, erectile dysfunction can also be formed by stress. A nervous condition can cease any chance of arousal, leaving an individual unable to achieve even a brief erection. And this, of course, becomes exacerbated as that same individual is made self-conscious about his current state. The panic feeds into itself, creating greater damage.

The proof of a mental complication is to be found in the night, however. When ejaculate can be seen, it is therefore able to be reasoned that a man is not suffering from impotence – he is instead suffering from a form of anxiety. This then helps him to lessen the strain and craft an easier treatment: simple relaxation.

Before impotence can be assumed, it must be addressed within the evening. If erections can occur then, the condition is purely of the mind and not of the body.

It’s the most common of traditions – every evening ends with a sampling of alcohol, a quick taste to calm yourself after a too hectic day. Your career is demanding. Your family is forever dependent on your moods. And the hours were impossibly long, determined to let every second sprawl toward infinity. It is only to be expected then that you indulge now in the flavors you crave. This is not excess. There is no abuse or dependence. There is instead only the happy minutes that belong to you: preludes, you’re certain, to eventual intercourse. Your midnight has been well planned.

Such plans prove to be futile, however, when it’s discovered you cannot achieve the wanted erection. You are suddenly – and inexplicably – impotent.

The causes of impotence are many but they often remain unknown. Too many assume this disease to be a result of age or medical worries, the infections that plague. It can instead, though, be formed by far simpler choices… such as alcohol.

Simply explained: when alcohol is consumed, it effects the nervous system. These effects are typically wanted and result in decreases of stress or worry. Euphoria is instead experienced. That feeling does not extend toward the nerves themselves, however. Instead they become constricted, with the blood flow impeded. The necessary amounts cannot reach the penis and an erection is difficult to form (and will often soften before release can be found). Response times are also slowed, with stimuli unable to announce arousal quickly throughout the nerves.

And this can cause temporary impotence – which can be alarming to any individual. It is recommended therefore that no sexual activity be attempted while intoxicated. Even a limited amount of alcohol can lessen the chances of achieving an erection (or being subsequently able to maintain it). All consumption should instead be cautious and wise. Choose your moments carefully and understand the potential concerns.