Impotence, or erectile dysfunction, can be a devastating issue, affecting a man’s emotional health, his relationships, and his overall quality of life. Men who are experiencing the symptoms of ED are understandably frightened about what the future holds for them, but fortunately, there are a wide range of treatment options and lifestyle changes that can help. Understanding the options that are available and how appropriate penis care is the first step for men who are dealing with impotence.

First of all, what is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is the term used to describe the inability to get an erection or to maintain it long enough to complete the act of intercourse over a period of time. It is important to keep in mind that every man will experience the occasional bedroom flop, sometimes for several nights in a row. But this can be caused by issues like fatigue, a sickness, or a bad day at work. Erectile dysfunction is only diagnosed when it becomes an ongoing problem - usually for a period of more than two weeks.

What causes it?

Getting an erection is a highly complex physiological process that involves the central nervous system (including the brain), the smooth muscle tissue of the penis, the circulatory system, and the emotions. Because so many elements are involved, pinpointing an exact cause can be difficult. However, underlying health issues such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or obesity are often at the heart of the problem. Stress and other emotional health issues, including partner conflict, can also figure into the problem, and certain medications may also inhibit erectile function. Men who are struggling with ED are strongly urged to see their doctor for a full workup in order to determine the underlying cause and decide on a treatment plan.

Prescription medications for ED

Most men are familiar with the prescription options for treating ED. There are several popular medications, but all of these work on the same general principle. These substances were originally tested for treating high blood pressure, and it turned out that their vasodilating properties - or ability to relax and open the blood vessels - helped to trigger erections in male research subjects. These medications are available by prescription and are taken orally or injected directly into the penis. Because they come with a host of side effects, men should only take these under the strict supervision of a doctor and should let their health care practitioner know about any other medications they are taking. It is worth mentioning here that, although these medications can be purchased online without a prescription from a variety of sources, there are no guarantees that they actually contain the appropriate ingredients, and again, it can be highly dangerous to use these substances without a doctor’s advice.

Non-prescription medical options

Other medical interventions for ED involve both temporary solutions, such as vacuum pumps, or more permanent means of addressing the problem, such as penile implants. In both cases, risk of injury and prolonged or permanent ED are important considerations.

Alternative treatments

Many practitioners offer suggestions for alternative treatments; these often include healthy lifestyle changes like losing weight, controlling blood sugar, and quitting smoking. In many instances, these measures are all that is needed. Herbal treatments such as ginseng are often used, as well as acupuncture (for the braver men who are willing to allow a needle to be inserted near their most delicate tool).

Nutritional solutions such as L-arginine have also shown promise; this amino acid works as a natural vasodilator that can help to stimulate erections. In fact, a penis nutrient creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) containing L-arginine, as well as other nutrients that are needed to support healthy nerve and circulatory tissue, is an excellent way for men to ensure that the penis is receiving the nourishment it needs to function at its prime.