Impotence
NATIONAL JOURNAL OF HOMOEOPATHY 1996 Jul / Aug Vol V No 4.
Ajit Vaze.

What is Impotency?

Impotency is a condition in which a man is either unable to get an erection or to maintain it for sexual intercourse. Erection problems are common and may be due to physical or psychological causes or both.

Impotency is common:

Most men occasionally experience erection problems. Only for one in every ten, impotency becomes a chronic problem. Erection problems can be caused by illness, drugs, depression or various cycles of stress and anxiety. Whatever the cause, erection problems can undermine a mans self-confidence and erode his relationship with his partner. The first step a couple can take in restoring a pleasurable sex life is to seek professional help.

Impotence is treatable:

Diagnosis begins with a thorough history, physical examination and lab tests. If the cause is psychological, sex and / or marriage counselling are indicated. If the cause is physical, treatment may be either medical or surgical. Most erection problems are treated successfully. But there is a lot you can do for yourselves and there are support groups too. A couple can enjoy fulfiling sex once again.

What causes impotence?

Diagnosis of the cause is the first step in resolving it. In half of the cases, impotence can be traced to physical causes such as drugs, poor blood or nerve supply to the penis or hormone imbalance. In other half, impotence can be traced to psychological factors like depression, stress, performance anxiety, and misinformation about sexuality.

Smoking, diabetes and certain drugs can also cause impotency.

Therapeutic options:

Psychotherapy.
Drug induced impotency--Change in the drug (e.g. drugs for blood pressure).
Hormonal therapy.
Self injections of certain drugs.
Surgery-in selected cases.
Oral agents.
Vacuum suction therapy.
Prosthesis.

Normal changes with age:

Although sexual activity normally continues through out a mans lifetime, his response varies with age. He takes longer to climax and his erections may come and go. He needs more recycling time before he can get another erection.

The 20s: A young man needs little stimulation and can get an erection in a few minutes. He usually climaxis quickly but he can regain his erection in minutes.

The 40s: With age there is more need of direct stimulation and fantasy. An erection takes several minutes, climax is slower and erection can be regained only after an hour or so.

The 60s: An older man needs even more direct stimulation and fantasy. He takes longer to get an erection, can maintain it longer but may take a day or more to regain it.

Let us now examine some of the myths & facts of importance.

Myths:

1. Sexual performance proves a mans "manhood" and his love for his partner.
2. Partners of men with erection problems are usually unwilling to participate in the mans treatment.
3. Impotence in men older than 65 is normal "What do you expect at your age"?
4. Too much sex and masturbation during a mans life can cause erectile problems as he grows older.
5. An affair can often help restore normal sex to a mans marriage.
6. An important sign of impotence in older men is absence of spontaneous "no hands" erections.
7. A "real man" always wants sex and he is always ready to have sex.
8. Sex is natural, a "real man" should know what to do.
9. Impotence in a married man usually indicates a deep seated problem in the relationship.
10. Hormone injections can cause impotence or better sexual performance.

Facts:

1. Sexual performance changes with each situation and mood. It does not prove anything nor does it need to.
2. Most partners are glad to have the chance to participate; they are part of the solution.
3. Impotence is not normal in men of any age although sexual response changes with age. Sexuality has no age limit.
4. It is the guilt complex which can cause erectile problems.
5. An affair rarely improves sex in a relationship. And sex with a new partner can create guilt and anxiety making impotence worse.
6. It is normal for an older man to need physical stimulation to get an erection. It has nothing to do with impotence.
7. Sexual desire varies from day to day and situation to situation. It is normal for a mans sexual desire to come and go.
8. Sexual skill and sensitivity are learned behaviors. The more you learn and practise the better lover you can be.
9. Although martial problems can contribute to impotence, it is usually due to other physical or psychological factors.
10. Hormone treatments are rarely used to treat impotence because most impotent men do not have a hormone deficiency.

Man is the only animal.
who eats when he is not hungry.
Drinks when he is not thirsty.
And makes love in all the seasons.
--At Periyar wild life sanctuary.

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