Nothing can be more frustrating for a man than erectile dysfunction. While it most often affects men over forty, it can actually affect men of all ages. It can be a serious illness, affecting a man’s self esteem, stress level, his relationships as well as his overall emotional health; so, it is important that it not be ignored. Many men find it a difficult topic to discuss either with family, friends, or their practitioner.

Practitioners are there to help and discussing it with them is a good first step.

Impotence occurs when a man does not have the ability to achieve or maintain an erection for normal sexual intercourse. Recent TV advertisements have taken much of the stigma away from this common problem. Eighty-five percent of impotence cases have a physical basis, so it is somewhat of a myth that it is only a psychological condition. In order for an erection to occur all of the following must be in working order, the brain, the nervous system, the cardiovascular system and the hormonal axis.

Factors that can lead to impotence are arteriosclerosis, peripheral vascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, alcohol use, smoking and a history of sexually transmitted disease. Over 200 different medications can also cause impotence. The causes of impotence can then be varied. Something even as simple as a zinc deficiency can cause impotence. It is crucial that a man examine his nutritional status with his practitioner so that nutritional deficiencies can be eliminated as a possible cause before conventional impotence drugs like Viagara are used due to their potential serious side effects.

Conventional treatment of impotence involves medication, implant surgery and psychological counseling. Viagara increases blood flow to the penis.

It is not suitable for those who suffer from cardiovascular disease hypertension, blood disorders, kidney disease and liver disease. Uprima works through the brain to produce erections. Its side effects include nausea, vomiting, dizziness and sweating. There are several injectable drugs for impotence and their side effect is prolonged, painful erection.

Over 200 different medications can also cause impotence. The causes of impotence can then be varied. Something even as simple as a zinc deficiency can cause impotence.

It is crucial that a man examine his nutritional status with his practitioner so that nutritional deficiencies can be eliminated as a possible cause before conventional impotence drugs like Viagara are used due to their potential serious side effects.

The first step in the natural treatment of impotence is to address the underlying cause. Firstly, use an overall nutritional supplement like a good multi vitamin specifically for men (you might also look at a good greens supplement, too). This will ensure that your overall nutritional status is complete. Secondly ensure that your prostate is healthy; even if you don’t have symptoms of an enlarged prostate, you can still benefit from using a supplement like saw palmetto. In addition, the prostate is involved in the orgasm process. Ensure that you are getting optimum circulation and blood flow with ginkgo; it has been clinically proven to help in cases of erectile dysfunction. Stress, fatigue and mental/emotional concerns affect one’s ability to become sexually aroused. A balanced lifestyle, that includes regular exercise, can help to alleviate stress. Seek counseling to explore issues that may be hindering sexual functioning. Consider using oral or intravenous chelation agents to clean out vessels that have become clogged. See the list below for supplements that will also help to support cleansing of the blood vessels. Ensure that you are eating enough vegetables and taking the correct nutritional supplements that satisfy your own unique nutritional needs.

Dietary considerations for impotence involve eating a healthy, balanced diet. Include pumpkin seeds for essential fatty acids and zinc. Avoid alcohol, tobacco, animal fats, fried foods, junk foods and sugar. Heavy metal accumulation can damage vessels and lead to impotence. Consider undergoing metal detoxification.

Intimacy is an important part of any relationship. While it is common for sexual desire and function to decline with age, this doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on this meaningful aspect of your relationship with your partner. Many of the same supplements that are used for impotence can also be used as an enhancement for your sexual desire and performance.