Yoga For Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction, also called impotence, means that a man's penis doesn't get hard enough to have intercourse. The man cannot get or maintain an erection (Erectile dysfunction is not the same as premature ejaculation, retarded ejaculation or infertility.)

The major causes of erectile dysfunction include:

Vascular (blood vessel) disease Because erections are caused by the buildup of blood in the shaft of the penis, poor blood flow in the penis can result in problems with erections. Damage to blood vessels can be caused by hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) or damage to blood vessels from trauma. Vascular disease is believed to be the most common medical cause of erectile dysfunction.

Nerve damage (neuropathy) Nerves must be working normally for a man to be able to get and keep an erection. Nerve damage can result from diabetes, multiple sclerosis, prostate surgery or damage to the spinal cord.

Psychological factors Sexual problems sometimes are caused by psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, guilt or fear. At one time, psychological factors were thought to be the major cause of erectile dysfunction. Doctors now know that physical factors are present in most men. However, embarrassment or "performance anxiety" can make a physical problem worse. Erectile dysfunction caused only by psychological causes is found most commonly in young men.

Medications Many medications cause problems with sexual function, including drugs prescribed for high blood pressure, depression, heart disease and prostate cancer.

Hormonal problems Abnormal levels of certain hormones, such as testosterone, thyroid hormone and a pituitary hormone known as prolactin, can interfere with erections and sex drive (libido). This is an uncommon cause of erectile dysfunction.

Symptoms

A man with erectile dysfunction has either a problem getting an erection or difficulty maintaining one. This usually interferes with sexual activity by preventing penetration during intercourse.

Erectile dysfunction can occur suddenly or gradually. Some men slowly lose the firmness of their erections or how long the erections last. In other men, especially those whose impotence is largely caused by psychological factors, the problem may occur unpredictably and can improve at any time. Despite their difficulties with erections, men with impotence often continue to have normal orgasm and ejaculation.

Your doctor will perform a general physical examination, including an examination of your penis and testes, to look for evidence of underlying medical problems. Your blood may be tested for blood sugar (to rule out diabetes), cholesterol and levels of certain hormones.

Occasionally, a doctor may order additional tests, such as a nocturnal penile tumescence study. This is a way to assess how often you get erections while you sleep. A Doppler ultrasound of the blood vessels in the penis is another test that will occasionally show a cause for poor erections.

Read of Khandasana, a treatment for this problem on the Next Page