Impotence is also called erectile dysfunction. It is termed as the inability of a man to maintain the erection of the penis. This leads to consequent inability to perform sexual intercourse. Impotence is not the same as infertility or sterility. With these particular traits of the condition, libido levels of men will definitely go astray.
Studies conducted by Massachusetts Male Aging Study have reported that 5% of men aged 40 and 15% of men aged 70 will experience an increase of total impotence. The studies performed in the Netherlands also showed that 20% of men whose age are between 50 to 54 and 50% of those whose age ranges from 70 to 78 had experienced some degree of impotency.
How normal is impotence?
Impotence differs in gravity. There are males who have complete incapability to obtain erection. Some men have an unpredictable capability to obtain an erection, while others can only maintain short-lived erections. This makes determining the regularity of the occurrence more difficult. Plenty of males find it hard to talk to their physician regarding their problem. This hinders proper diagnosis of the problem.
In the United States alone there are around 30 million males who are affected by impotence due to the fact that they do not seek the advice of their physicians. Although it may happen at any age, it is a very rare occurrence in younger males but very usual among older people. Some men experience temporary impotence when they reach age 45.
Causes of impotence
Impotence has a number of causes. Included in the list are:
- Physical abnormality like a small or deformed penis. This may be corrected through surgery.
- It may also be the result of diseases such as syphilis, diabetes, Bright disease, alcoholism, or drug addiction.
- It may also be causes by nervous system disorders like multiple sclerosis, spinal cord damage, or stroke. Medical treatment is needed for these causes of impotence.
- The most common cause of impotence is either psychological or emotional disturbance like irrational inhibitions that can result to a devastating effect on the individual.
- A person may also have impotence due to the fear of punishment as a result of religious beliefs, or fear of impregnating a spouse after a venereal disease.
- A man may dislike a sex partner or may be emotionally immature.
- Disturbed marital relationships may also provoke impotence. In this case, psychotherapy is the only way to avoid the problem.
- Age may also be a factor to impotency, although some men have remained potent until late in life. Men in their 80’s and even 90’s still continue to enjoy sexual satisfaction.
- Impotence may also be a temporary problem in the early months of marriage due to self-doubt.
While some may say that impotence is normal, it can still trigger a feeling of disturbance in some males. Yes, it affects libido levels of men making them perform less efficient and effective in bed with their partner. It is therefore best to address the causes of the problem to have a healthy sex life.
