How Imbalances Affect Male Sexual Performance
June 16, 2021
Medical treatments to reverse the negative outcomes that men were experiencing in the bedroom were first documented by the Chinese around 2600 BCE in the Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine. So, we know men have been seeking treatment for various levels of impotence, such as an inability to achieve a full erection or maintain an erection adequate for sexual intimacy, since ancient times. Chemical messengers called hormones travel constantly through the bloodstream delivering important instructions that tell organs what to do and when to do it. Most of these hormones are produced by specific glands in the endocrine system but imbalances can occur anytime there are too many or too few chemicals released. Unfortunately for some men, even small hormonal imbalances can affect their libido and cause male sexual performance issues.
Does Low-T Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
A man’s sexual health can be affected by inconsistencies and imbalances in growth hormones, adrenaline, insulin, and natural steroids as well as imbalances in sex hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen. Although the male sex drive can be negatively affected by low testosterone, as well as high estrogen levels, rarely will Low-T be the sole cause of erectile dysfunction. On the other hand, hormonal abnormalities like an increase in prolactin released by a faulty pituitary gland can induce hypogonadism where the sexual deficiency may require hormone replacement therapy. Even though erectile dysfunction can have a profound effect on a man’s sexual performance, the good news today is, once a physical exam and lab work are completed, ED can often be managed safely and effectively using minimally invasive procedures.
Physiological Risk Factors for ED
By no means does every case of low testosterone interfere with a man’s sexual performance. While some men with low-T may completely lose interest in sex, others show no symptoms, suggesting low testosterone levels are seldom the cause of erectile dysfunction. Unfortunately, feeling embarrassed about ED and a poor sexual performance in the bedroom can prevent a man from assertively seeking the care needed for an accurate diagnosis and treatment of his underlying medical conditions. Moreover, treating erectile dysfunction can be tricky even for an experienced men’s healthcare professional, as ED is influenced by many secondary factors like aging, depression, heart disease, stress, obesity, diabetes, nutrition, chronic illness, lack of physical exercise, and disruptions to normal sleep patterns.
Blockage Can Lead to Organic Impotence
Organic impotence involving the arteries or veins in the penis, is the most common cause of erectile dysfunction. Although blockage can be related to a more serious condition like hardening of the arteries throughout the body, more often than not, ED is caused by a buildup of plaque that restricts the blood flow needed to get and keep a firm erection. Diabetes is another common etiology of male sexual dysfunction and can affect the blood vessels, nerves, and blood flow that supplies the penis. Research studies also suggest that as men grow older, they are more sexually active today than in previous eras, which means there may be more physiological challenges as well. Sex counselling or therapy may be an appropriate recommendation, especially for men who are experiencing discord with their partner due to previous episodes of erectile dysfunction.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Breaks Up Plaque
Healthcare providers have known for quite sometimes that restoring a steady blood flow is one of the keys for managing plaque-related cases of erectile dysfunction. As men age, blood vessels in their penis deteriorate and fill with micro-plaque made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. If left untreated, clogged arteries from these narrowing pathways can cause blood flow to slow down or come to a screeching halt preventing a man from obtaining a sufficient erection. While ED is much more common in men 40 years or older, males as young as teenagers can experience arterial blockage. Nonetheless, the suspected cause in younger men is most often blunt trauma from injures, which damaged the endothelium membrane that controls vascular relaxation and contraction of penile tissue.
If you are experiencing a problem with sexual performance, the first step towards resolving your issue is to get an accurate diagnosis from a men’s healthcare specialist. Although oral medications are marginally successful as a temporary treatment for erectile dysfunction, the best long-term treatment is reversing the underlying cause. Some men find that traditional treatments, such as penile revascularization surgery or ED medications, simply do not work for them. If arterial plaque is diagnosed as the cause of your ED, GAINSWave Jacksonville offers the latest in nonsurgical treatment options for men of all ages. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) breaks up plaque formations and stimulates the growth of new blood vessels to improve sexual function and enhance sensitivity for men experiencing plaque and trauma-related blockage.
Erectile dysfunction can be a sign of a physical or psychological condition. It can cause stress, relationship strain, and a loss of self-confidence. Whether you are tired of having to time your intimate moments or are just starting on your road to recovery from erectile dysfunction, Dr. Earl Eye at Cenegenics / GAINSWave Jacksonville has over fifty years of experience with specialties in infectious disease, internal medicine, endocrinology, diabetes, pulmonary disease, and metabolism. To make an appointment with a dedicated physician whose men’s health practice relies on the least invasive treatment protocols, call 904-674-0404 today. After a thorough diagnosis, Dr. Eye can explain your treatment options.
