WellMan Clinic Putting
Men's Health First
|
||
| |
Erectile Dysfunction Ever since Dr. Alfred C. Kinsey published his findings about human sexuality in 1948, the civilised world has debated the implications. One fact he irrefutably demonstrated was that men's potency declines with age. At the time it was thought that this phenomenon was due to psychological problems. Today we know better: modern research techniques have shown male impotence (or "Erectile Dysfunction") has many causes, most of them being basically "organic", that is physical. Of course, if you suffer from this disability, you are going to be anxious, and so the only too obvious lack of capability is going to be compounded by a powerful psychological "overlay". It is difficult, if not impossible, for a sufferer, young, middle-aged or older, to be in the least objective. As far as he is concerned he has an embarrassing complaint which profoundly affects his quality of life and the very foundations of his self-respect. Age and Erectile Dysfunction Although we know without doubt that potency and libido decrease proportionately with age as from the middle years, due to a diminishing production of the male hormone testosterone and the decreasing efficiency of the mechanism of erection, younger men are often affected. Vascular Disorders It is only in very recent years that the mechanism of erection has been fully explained. It is not as simple as it seems, and depends not only on an adequate inflow of blood into the penis, but also on the capability of the penis to hold the pressure of the blood in the "tube". This maintenance of pressure is determined by the effective operation of valves in the outer coat of the penis; any malfunction of these valves leads to a leakage of blood, which does not enable the erection to be sustained for a useful period of time. A problem with "venous leakage" is more common than an obstruction of the arterial inflow. Psychogenic Problems An opportunity for sexual intercourse is quickly perceived by the higher centres of the brain: a barrage of messages is received involving all the senses. Assuming that the physical mechanisms are intact, the autonomic nervous system promptly informs the body, and a wide variety of preparatory changes take place to enable the act of intercourse to take place. The most important and obvious is the stimulation of erection. This is totally dependent on the subliminal messages from the brain reaching the penis through the autonomic ("automatic") nervous system. Should this communication be interfered with in any way, the messages are diminished, and the "arousal" process is spoiled. Anxiety about performance due to previous failures will certainly do this. Other causes of Impotence There are many drugs administered by doctors which adversely affect the mechanism of erection. Especially to blame are the older blood pressure lowering drugs, tranquillisers and anti-depressants, which are still widely used. These drugs can have a direct effect on the vessels and nerves involved, as well as blocking the action of testosterone. We all know about the adverse influence of alcohol, although it is still not widely recognised that an excessive intake is feminising. Over-generous use of nicotine and marijuana can also be contributory factors. Diabetes is a common cause of failure of erection through the damaging effects on nerves and arteries. Diagnosis Recent medical advances have enabled doctors to identify organic causes of erectile dysfunction with remarkable accuracy. Unfortunately the technical means of diagnosis are in short supply: the machines are expensive, and skilled operators are few and far between. This is why many patients are told by their general practitioners that nothing can be done for their problem. THE WELLMAN CLINIC has gathered togeter a team of specialists, each of whom is an acknowledged expert in his or her field: we work together, using the most advanced technology available, to pin down the previously elusive causes of this distressing complaint. Indeed it is only through accurate diagnosis that effective treatment programmes can be planned. Treatment No matter what the causes of the problem are, there is rarely a case that cannot be treated without an excellent prospect of improving erectile function. Testosterone deficiency can be easily corrected. Vascular problems can often be treated with external appliances or relatively minor (but skilled) surgery. Psychological problems respond well to expert counselling and appropriate oral medication. |
|
| Copyright: THE WELLMAN CLINIC 2006. All trademarks acknowledged. Tel: 020 7637 2018 Fax: 020 7637 2019 Address: 32 Weymouth Street London W1G 7BU |
||