Erectile Dysfunction – Impotence & Potency (ED)

Forget the myth of impotence. It’s not all in your mind!

Reduced sexual potency has a number of causes, ranging from the normal effects of aging to environmental factors like stress and poor nutrition. Egyptian researchers believe that wearing polyester underwear can cause a buildup of static electricity that may inhibit erections.

Impotence may be chronic or recurring, or it may occur as a single isolated incident. It was once assumed that impotence was primarily a psychological problem, but 85 percent of all cases have a physical basis.

Erections result from a complex combination of stimuli, blood vessel and nerve function, and hormonal actions.

Some of the factors that can add to impotence include peripheral vascular disease; the use of certain medications, alcohol, or cigarettes; a history of sexually transmitted disease; and chronic illness such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

Hormonal disturbances such as diminished levels of testosterone or elevated prolactin production, or over- or underproduction of thyroid hormone, may also cause impotence. The glands all work together.

Diabetes, which often leads to atherosclerosis and impaired circulation, is probably the most common physical cause of impotence. See Diabetic & Insulin Resistance

There are even studies showing that there may be a link between gum disease and ED and the drugs prescribed for erectile dysfunction (Viagra and Cialis, etc.). One study showed its connection to optic neuropathy.

There are over 200 drugs that may cause impotence. Some of the most common ones are alcohol, antidepressants, antihistamines, antihypertensives, diuretics, narcotics, nicotine, sedatives, stomach acid inhibitors and ulcer medications. Check rxlist.com for side effects of drugs. One of the reasons that there are side effects to drugs is that they can deplete the body of vital nutrients. Thus, if you have to take medications, replacing those nutrients is important. (See the Drug Muggers – a book by a pharmacist on this subject).

Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, poses a risk to the condition of both the heart and the penis. Plaque that clogs arteries and block the flow of blood to the heart can also block the arteries leading to the genitals, interfering with the ability to attain an erection.

It can also be caused by neuropathy which is a side effect of diabetes and many other things.

Recent evidence points to the fact that erectile dysfunction can also be caused by a neuropathy in the pelvic region: Although Erectile dysfunction has traditionally been linked to vascular problems and advancing age, this new study suggests that younger men with peripheral neuropathy often report erectile dysfunction.

Studies Erectile dysfunction study shows high prevalence of peripheral neuropathy

The neuropathy of erectile dysfunction

For more information about Neuropathy, go to our article on Neuropathy

Testosterone Therapy – Recently there has been a lot of ads and talk of being an ageless male by taking artificial testosterone. Here is an article about that therapy.

Trying to balance hormones by taking added hormones never works. Finding out what gland needs support and getting the proper nutrition to strengthen that gland so that the hormones balance themselves, does work.

Article: Testosterone Treatments Linked to Heart Risks

For How to Handle Testosterone Decline

Helpful Nutrition:

Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet rich in whole foods, including fresh fruits, vegetables, and legumes.

Do you understand what a well-balanced diet is?  Getting educated in nutrition and how the body works will take you on the road to good health. We found a great science-based program to learn the basics so you know what you should be eating and what you shouldn’t be eating and WHY

Go to Eat Well Nutritional Education Course – Learn to Understand Nutrition

Get adequate protein such as legumes, tofu, meat, fish and chicken

Maintain a good exercise program and avoid obesity.

Limit or eliminate your intake of drugs that may contribute to impotency. These may include blood pressure medications, antihistamines and antidepressants. Check with rxlist.com for side effects of any medication you might be on.

(We advise against any antidepressants and suggest you find out what to take nutritionally by going to a non-drug practitioner who can find what is going on physically.  It can be your gut and metabolism as well as a lot of other physical problems.   Go to Find A Nutritionist. 

If you are a cigarette smoker, try to quit as soon as possible, because cigarette smoking has been associated with atherosclerosis and impotency.

Avoid alcohol.

Do not consume processed foods, sugar, fried or junk foods.

Do not smoke. Avoid being around cigarette smoke.

Avoid stress.

Consult a health care professional for testing to determine whether impotence is caused by an underlying illness that requires treatment.

RECOMMENDED:

Read Low Testosterone for things you can do to improve low testosterone.

If you still are not getting relief, locating the actual cause and addressing that cause needs to be done. We recommend going to a nutritionist who can test you and provide natural solutions to the problem. You can find a nutritionist near you by following this link Find a Nutritionist

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