Men's Health: Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

by Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

The term erectile dysfunction covers a range of disorders, but usually refers to the inability to obtain an adequate erection for satisfactory sexual activity.

More common in men older than 65, it can occur at any age. As men age, it is normal to experience changes in erectile function. Erections may take longer to develop, may not be as rigid or may require more direct stimulation to be achieved. An occasional episode of erectile dysfunction happens to most men and is normal. Men may also notice that orgasms are less intense, the volume of semen is reduced and recovery time takes longer.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) may not only be a sign of a physical problems but there is often an emotional problem that must be addressed. Symptoms for ED include: occasional inability to obtain a full erection, inability to maintain an erection throughout intercourse and/or complete inability to achieve an erection.

When ED proves to be a pattern or a persistent problem, it can interfere with a man's self-image as well as his and his partner's sexual life. Stress is a major player that can knock you down a few notches and ways of managing that stress must be taken seriously. Making sure you maintain good blood flow is one of the most important things you should be aware of as you age. Therefore, ED is categorized into two separate root causes:

Physical causes for ED may include:
1. Nerve damage from longstanding diabetes (diabetic neuropathy)
2. Cardiovascular disorders affecting the blood supply to the pelvis
3. Certain prescription medications
4. Operations for cancer of the prostate
5. Fractures that injure the spinal cord
6. Multiple sclerosis
7. Hormonal disorders
8. Alcoholism and other forms of drug abuse
9. The first signs of an underlying medical problem.

Long term diseases of the lungs, liver, kidneys, heart, nerves, arteries or veins can lead to impotence. So can endocrine system disorders, particularly diabetes. In some men, erectile dysfunction may be caused by low levels of the hormone testosterone (male hypogonadism).The accumulation of deposits (plaques) in the arteries (atherosclerosis) also can prevent adequate blood from entering the penis. In fact, the penis and the strength of the erection is the male barometer of his overall health.

Psychological causes for ED may include:
1. Stress, anxiety and fatigue.
2. Impotence is also an occasional side effect of psychological problems such as depression.
3. Negative feelings such as feelings that you express toward your sexual partner or that are expressed by your sexual partner (resentment, hostility or lack of interest) also can be a factor in erectile dysfunction.
4. Low self-esteem, a feeling of inadequacy or insecurity about a situation.

The physical and nonphysical causes of erectile dysfunction commonly interact. For instance, a minor physical problem that slows sexual response may cause anxiety about attaining an erection. Then the anxiety can worsen your erectile dysfunction.

There are three steps to a normal erection:
1. Arousal is the first step, which men achieve from the senses of sight, touch, hearing and smell, and from thoughts themselves.
2. The Nervous System Response occurs when the brain communicates the sexual excitement to the body's nervous system, which activates increased blood flow to the penis.
3. The Blood Vessel Response is an actual relaxing action that occurs in the blood vessels that supply the penis, (not excitement) allowing more blood to flow into the urethra, which produces the erection. If something affects any of these factors or the delicate balance among them, erectile dysfunction can result.

Acupuncture and Libido

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the oldest, continually practiced, and professionally administered health care system in the world. It is a documented medical system spanning over 2,500 years based on comprehensive philosophies, rational theories, clinically tested and empirically verified by over 100 generations of highly educated practitioners. Chinese Medicine is a total system of internal medicine which is comprised of a diagnostic procedure based on signs, symptoms and treatment styles including acupuncture, herbal medicine, exercise, diet and meditation. It's foundation is based on the principles of balance; the interdependent relationship of Yin and Yang. Through this balance, health is achieved and maintained.

Traditional Chinese Medicine is often helpful where conventional medicine is not. Certain disorders can complicate fertility. The goal in Chinese medicine is to better manage or resolve these disorders such as increasing libido, low sperm count and sperm motility are fertility issues that men face and the combination of acupuncture and herbal medicine has shown to benefit men with these issues.


Top 10 Ways to Keep It Up

1. Limit or avoid the use of alcohol and other similar drugs.

2. Stop smoking.

3. Exercise regularly. Do both muscle strengthening and cardio.

4. Reduce stress.

5. Get enough sleep.

6. Deal with anxiety or depression.

7. Loss Weight. Avoid fatty foods and cut back on portion size.

8. Follow the guidelines for good arterial health.

9. Seek counseling for yourself or with your partner.

10. See your doctor for regular checkups and medical screening tests.


Andrew Pacholyk MS, L. Ac.
Licensed Acupuncturist
Board Certified Herbologist
917.843.3623
proacumed@aol.com
ProAcuMed.com
Peacefulmind.com