Erectile dysfunction
What it is
Impotence – known medically as erectile dysfunction
– the persistent failure to develop erections that are firm
enough for satisfactory sexual intercourse. It is a common and distressing
problem, affecting an estimated 1 in 10 men at any one time. Although
impotence can affect men of all ages – especially those who
smoke – it becomes increasingly common in later life so that
40% of men aged 40 and almost 70% of those aged 70 years have some
form of impotence.
Eighty per cent of all cases of impotence have an underlying physical
cause. The most common physical causes of impotence include:
- Diabetes - which can affect both the local circulation and nerve
supply to the penis
- Hardening and furring up of the arteries (atherosclerosis)
- Smoking indirectly causes impotence by increasing the effects of
other risk factors such as high blood pressure and atherosclerosis
- Long term abuse of alcohol or drugs such as marijuana, codeine,
amphetamines and heroin can cause impotence.
- Prescription drugs – especially those used to treat high blood
pressure, depression, heart disease, gastric ulcers and cancer
- Leaky veins in the penis
- Hormone imbalances
- Previous surgery that may have affected local blood circulation
or nerve supply
- Spinal cord injury
- Some nervous system diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinsonism,
Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy
Psychological causes of impotence only account for one in five cases,
and are often linked with depression. More commonly, psychological
problems follow on as a result of the emotional stress of impotence.
Over twenty per cent of sufferers blamed erectile dysfunction for
the break up of their relationships.
If impotence is persistent, it is important to pluck up courage to
seek help to find out the cause.
Self help measures:
A number of herbal supplements are effective in overcoming impotence
for many men. These include Catuaba (Erythroxylon catuaba), Ginseng
(Panax ginseng; P. quinquefolium), Muira Puama (Ptychopetalum olacoides)
and Ginkgo biloba extracts.
Applying magnetic patches
Apply two magnetic patches in the midline between the navel and pubic
bone. Another magnetic patch should also be applied at the front of
each thigh, in the middle towards the inside over an acupoint as shown
in the following illustration.
