Impotence

Impotence Information

Men suffering from impotence cannot produce an erection or maintain it long enough for intercourse. The cause is often circulation-related resulting from other conditions such as prescription drug use or diabetes.

According to a report produced by NOVA, Public Television's highly respected science documentary program, about 30 million men in the United States suffer from impotence and about 95 percent of them have treatable conditions. Blood flow to the penis is the heart of an erection, so a variety of treatment options address the influx of blood to the penile tissue.

MyHealthyPenis.com urges readers with impotence concerns to seek the advice of a physician to determine what treatment program may be best for you.

However, what follows is an outline of the most commonly used treatments or devices available.

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Vacuum pumps

Simple in design and function, the penis is placed in a tube and when the device is operated (manually or electrically) a vacuum draws blood into the penile tissue. It usually takes up to 3 minutes to create an erection by vacuum pump.

The erection lasts about 30 minutes. Most men using the pump also need a constriction ring to trap the blood and maintain the erection. A constriction ring is a soft, elastic band that is slid down the shaft of the penis to the base where it remains until intercourse is complete.

The ring is then removed and the erection dissipates. It is recommended that a constriction ring be utilized for no longer than 30 minutes at a time. Be aware that because pumps increase blood flow, men suffering from certain medical conditions including diabetes and bleeding disorders should seek permission from a physician before using.

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Injections

There are several drugs on the market that can be self-injected into the penis to produce consistently hard and satisfactory erections. Urologists often prescribe this treatment because it has a high success rate in users.

The injected medications are relaxants that act on the penile muscles, enabling them to expand and become engorged with blood to create an erection.

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Prescription Drugs

Most people have heard of Viagra, the first and most widely recognized brand name for sildenafil citrate, the first oral medication for impotence medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

The drug works by stimulating the muscle relaxant effects of nitric oxide and enabling increased blood flow into the penile tissues.

There have been reported side effects, including indigestion, backache and headache. According to the FDA, a physician should determine dosage but the recommended dose is 50mg one hour before sexual activity.

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Medicated Pellet Insertion

Pellets containing medication often prescribed for injection are also an option to remedy erection dysfunction. The medication is inserted into the hole from which urine passes and into the urethra. The drug relaxes the urethra tissue to enable increased blood flow that results in erection.

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Surgical Solutions

There are several surgical options available for men suffering erectile dysfunction. Should it be medically deemed necessary, arteries that may be obstructing blood flow can be surgically repaired.

More common, however, is the surgical implantation of tubes and pumps that can produce an erection at will.

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Healthy Lifestyle

Keep in mind that although the penis is a pleasure tool, it is also just another part of the body. It operates on hormones, blood flow and muscular reaction just like the rest of your anatomy.

An erection is simply the result of increased blood flow into the penile tissue. According to a study of male sexual dysfunction by Columbia University College, the blood flow into the penile tissues during erection is about 11 times that of the a flaccid penis.

Given that information, it is important that men experiencing penile dysfunction do their best to lead healthy lifestyles.

• Don't smoke
• Drink alcohol in moderation
• Eat sensibly
• Exercise

Not smoking, drinking less alcohol, eating sensibly and exercising more will not only increase your overall circulation but also your sexual performance.

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Nitric Oxide

Nitric oxide is involved in the transmission of nerve impulses and the transport of oxygen to tissues in the body. A study by Johns Hopkins scientists confirmed more than a decade ago confirmed that the release of nitric oxide from the nerve endings is the cause of an erection. The more blood flows into the penis, the more nitric oxide is activated and the longer an erection is sustained.

According to a release issued by the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions Office of Communications and Public Affairs, as blood flow increases, nitric oxide is then released from the endothelial cells in the wall of the blood vessels, instead of the nerves themselves. "A key element in the attainment of erection is the continuous activation of the source of nitric oxide in the blood vessel walls," the report states.

Nitric oxide is available in tablet form and has been reported to produce firmer and larger appearing erections in some men after extended use.

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Arginine

Arginine is a protein component known for allowing more blood flow to the penis, triggering the release of nitric oxide. It's stimulating effects have been cited in medical journals.

The substance appears to relax the smooth muscles within the penis, thereby allowing more blood to enter and create a large and firm erection.

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Ginkgo

Ginkgo is a natural substance that is also known to relax the blood vessels, thereby increasing the blood flow to the penis. An herb, ginkgo is derived from a tree and is said to contain much Vitamin C.

Vitamin C is key to a healthy diet and is known to ease a variety maladies ranging from asthma and heart disease to cancer and low sperm count. The daily intake of at least 100 mg of Vitamin C is recommended for improved overall health.

Zinc is a necessity in the production of testosterone. Some reports indicate that zinc intake can help men suffering from a decrease in sexual drive. In addition, it's been noted that zinc can assist in maintaining prostate health.

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Yohimbine

The FDA has described studies involving the response of animals to the ancient aphrodisiac yohimbine as "encouraging."

Yohimbine is extracted from the bark of a tree in Africa. Generations of natives used yohimbine to stimulate a man's sexual appetite. The natural substance is said to affect the spinal nerve centers that control erections.

The herb is also known to increase blood flow throughout the body, including the penis. Some people claim that drinking small amounts powdered yohimbine in tea increases sexual drive in humans.

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Ginseng

Animal studies using ginseng have also produced positive results. Ginseng is known to act as a stimulant when ingested and some claim it actually increases their sexual desire. Long relied on as a central ingredient in many Oriental love potions, ginseng is thousands of years old.

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