Prevention is better than the cure – how to minimize the risk of potency disorders?
Potency disorders have various backgrounds, but we should always treat them as a condition that can and should be treated. Problems with potential may be rooted in psychology (in which case it is best to visit a sexologist) or may be a purely health-related issue (then the help of a urologist or cardiologist is needed).
It is estimated that erectile dysfunction is a problem that affects as many as one in two men between 40 and 70. In Poland, about 3.5 million men experience it, but only 30% of them ever see the doctor about it, because problems with potency are still taboo. Meanwhile, the reasons for its occurrence are varied, and often problems in the bedroom are the first symptom of more serious conditions – for example, they may indicate a failure of the cardiovascular system.
The causes of potency disorders – dozens of reasons
If the underlying cause of erectile dysfunction are psychological problems, they are usually associated with the fear of whether the man will satisfy his partner’s needs, or are related to sexual inhibitions connected with the environment in which he grew up.
However, potency disorders may also be accompanied by arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis, frequent urinary tract infections, neurological problems (for example spinal injuries) or prostatic hypertrophy. In some men experiencing potency disorders, this problem is associated with testosterone deficiency or high prolactin concentration.
Importantly, erection problems are often influenced by: fatigue, substance abuse, including alcohol, as well as long-term stress.
Prevention – taking care of yourself
Problems with potency can not always be remedied, but some principles, if we follow them early enough, will certainly minimize the risk of problems in the bedroom. The basis in this case – as well as in many other diseases – is a healthy lifestyle based on a proper diet (a lot of vegetables and fruits, and less meat and animal fats), as well as on regular physical activity. Exercises in this case should, among others, help to reduce excess weight (obese men have almost a three times higher risk of potency problems!), improve the body and, like the diet, help maintain an adequate level of cholesterol and pressure. Go for some kind of cardio sport (for example, riding a bike or running) for at least 20 minutes a day 5 times a week. Movement significantly reduces the risk of impotence.
In addition to taking up sport, experts also recommend simple exercises involving clamping the pelvic floor muscles. You can practice this while sitting in the car or work, as well as during urination, interrupting its flow several times.
Sulphide baths also help this type of problem – sulphur, in fact, counteracts erectile dysfunction. The temperature of this bath is close to the body temperature, and afterwards it is recommended to rest from half an hour to an hour.
In the prevention of erectile dysfunction, we should not forget about the discontinuation of stimulants – problems in the bedroom are certainly not indifferent to alcohol and cigarettes (the risk of impotence in smokers is up to 80% higher than in non-smokers!).
However, the most pleasant form of impotence prevention is regular sexual activity, which keeps vessels and muscles responsible for erection in good condition. It also positively influences relations between partners and brings them closer together, thus minimizing the psychological factors that may cause problems with potency.
Finally, it is worth adding that in the case of psychogenic impotence, which may be caused, for example, by stress or anxiety, relaxation techniques such as aromatherapy or massage are recommended to help relax and unwind. The basis of sexual function is relaxation.
Many men are afraid and ashamed to talk to anyone (let alone the doctor) about their problems in the bedroom. Erectile dysfunction, however, is so common that this topic should not be taboo. Just as in the prevention of many other ailments, a healthy lifestyle is also extremely important in terms of potency and sexual performance: a balanced diet, regular movement and avoiding prolonged stress.
