Specifically, I have been reminded that men will seldom bring this topic up as a medical concern but very likely, it will be on their minds.
According to Mayo Clinic.com, erectile dysfunction — ED or impotence — is the inability to get and keep a penile erection firm enough for sex.
Having erection trouble from time to time isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. But if erectile dysfunction is an ongoing problem, it may cause stress, cause relationship problems or affect your self-confidence.
Even though it may seem awkward to talk with your doctor about erectile dysfunction, go in for an evaluation. Problems getting or keeping an erection can be a sign of a health condition that needs treatment, such as heart disease or poorly controlled diabetes. Treating an underlying problem may be enough to reverse your erectile dysfunction, according to MayoClinic.com.
Taking care of conditions such as diabetes and alcohol abuse will typically improve a man’s sex life. Treatment usually involves 20 to 30 minutes of daily aerobic exercise which will improve physical stamina, and the resultant 15- to 20-pound weight loss will typically improve your looks.
Although some medicines for hypertension and heart disease may decrease sexual function, most men need to realize that a bad heart will definitely cramp your style. The truth is that tobacco is the most common “medicine” that people prescribe for themselves for whatever reasons. Tobacco abuse constricts blood vessels, decreases circulation, and shrinks your penis. Quit smoking.
Whether the cause is physical, psychological or a combination of both, erectile dysfunction can become a source of mental and emotional stress for you and your partner. Discuss these issues with your doctor. Take care of your health issues and expect to have satisfactory sexual function again.
Open up to your sexual partner. Your partner may see your inability to have an erection as a sign of loss of sexual interest. Your reassurance that this is not the case can help. Communicate openly and honestly about your situation. Treatment is more likely to be successful when a man involves his partner.
Make every effort to decrease stress and anxiety in your life. Remember the healing power of prayer. Talk to your doctor, or see a mental health provider if mental health issues are keeping you down.
Medical treatment for ED has become very effective but has created new problems. Levitra, Viagra, and Cialis may sound like the names of three wise men but likely no shepherd king ever got a gift from these guys. Indeed, soon only a king may be able to afford the ridiculous prices that drug makers are charging for these ED meds.
Over the past 10 years, the price of ED drugs like Viagra has inexplicably risen from $10 per tablet to now $22 a pill. Despite the fact that there are now three manufacturers of ED drugs worldwide, these medicines have all gotten more expensive collectively in a step-wise fashion. Although not made of gold, frankincense, or myrrh, Viagra-like drugs have somehow become more expensive while plasma-screen televisions and laptop computers have become cheaper.
In the melodious words of that famous Guamanian military brat Jim Morrison, “Riders on the storm, riders on the storm. Into this house we’re born, into this world we’re thrown. Riders on the storm.” Quit smoking.
Dr. Vincent T Akimoto, MD, is a family practitioner based on Barrigada, Guam. He also graduated from Sr. Bernadita’s first grade class at Mount Carmel School in Chalan Kanoa, Saipan.
