Introduction
Sexual dysfunction -having a problem with sexual desire or response – covers a wide variety of problems. In men, sexual dysfunction may refer to erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature or delayed ejaculation. For women, sexual dysfunction may include spasms of the vagina and pain with sexual intercourse. For both sexes, it can include problems with sexual desire (libido) and response.
Men over age 65 are at higher risk for ED, although ED is not a normal part of aging. Among women with sexual desire is their top complaint. The problem may be psychological, physical, or a combination of both.
Sexual impotence
- Sexual impotence is any physical or psychological problem that prevents you or your partner from getting sexual satisfaction.
- Male sexual dysfunction is a common health problem affecting men of all ages, but is more common with increasing age. Treatment can often help men suffering from sexual dysfunction.
What is impotence?
Impotence is a condition that consistently affects a person’s ability to achieve or maintain an erection, or ability to achieve ejaculation
Types of sexual dysfunction
There are several types of sexual disorder that that affects females and males. Examples of male sexual dysfunction include
- Erectile dysfunction
- Orgasm/ejaculation disorder and
- Priapism or painful erections
Examples of female sexual dysfunction include
- Loss of interest in sex
- Difficulty reaching orgasm
- Negative thought during sex and
- Virginal dryness and tightness causing pain during sex
Some of the main categories of sexual dysfunction include:
- Sexual desire disorders
- Arousal disorders
- Orgasm disorders
- Sexual pain disorders
- Sexual desire disorder
These are problems that involve a lack or absence of sexual drive, also referred to as a low libido. The lack of desire may apply in general or towards the current partner. The disorder may have always been present or may develop after a period of sexual function being normal. Low levels of the female hormone estrogen and the male hormone testosterone can lead to a decrease in sexual desire. Some precipitating factors include increasing age, pregnancy, depression, anxiety, and the use of certain medications such as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors.
Sexual arousal disorders
Previously, terms used to describe a sexual arousal disorder have included “frigidity” in the case of women and “impotence” in the case of men but these terms are generally not currently used. Impotence is now described as erectile dysfunction and a number of terms exist to describe frigidity. These individuals may have an aversion to or tendency to avoid sexual contact with a partner. Males may find they can only maintain a partial erection or they may be unable to obtain one at all. Affected males may also find they gain no pleasure or excitement from sexual activity. Among affected females, the vagina may fail to become lubricated.
Orgasm disorders
Individuals affected by an orgasm disorder fail to achieve climax or find that climax is often delayed. These disorders may be caused by physical factors, illness or even as a result of using certain medications.
Sexual pain disorders
Sexual pain disorders are mainly confined to women and are caused by inadequate lubrication of the vagina during sex. This may be caused by a lack of stimulation or excitement about the sexual activity or by hormonal changes that occur as a result of pregnancy, breastfeeding or menopause. Other causes include irritation due to the use of contraceptive creams and anxiety about engaging in sex.
Sexual pain may also be caused by a condition called vaginismus, where the muscles of the vaginal wall spasm involuntarily during intercourse. The cause of these spasms is not clear but previous sexual trauma such as abuse or assault has been suggested as a trigger of the condition.
Signs and symptoms of sexual impotence
- Cannot sustain an erection
- General weakness
- Pain
- Weight loss
- Tired
- Fatigue
- Unintentional weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Frequent urination
- Reduce sexual desire
Nutrition causes of sexual impotence
Some food has been identified to contribute to sexual impotence, the most notable ones include:
- Meat: Animal fat and cholesterol is particularly bad for the heart. To achieve and maintain an erection an individual need good blood circulation. If the cardiovascular health is compromised, then the individual may have problems with ED. In fact, many men do not realize that ED is one of the early signs of heart trouble. It is advisable to switch out some of the meat for heart-healthy alternatives like plant sources of protein and fatty fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids. However, not all fats are bad, fats that help improve heart health include the fat found in olive oil, avocado, seeds, and nuts. Also, high-protein diets like the Atkins diet because it can reduce the amount of testosteronethat an individual produce.
- Fried foods:Fried foods are also bad for the heart and sexual function. When the oils are heated to high temperatures for cooking they become some of the most unhealthy foods for the heart, contributing to heart disease, cancer, and problems with cholesterol. Fried foods lead to weight gain, which is one of the contributors to hormone imbalance and ED.
- Foods packed in cans or plastic: Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a chemical found in plastic products as well as the linings in canned foods. Food stored in cans have high levels of BPA from the can linings.This chemical can inhibit sex hormones.
- Soy:Soy and other foods can affect hormones as well. Foods like soy and processed foods high in carbohydrates and excessive unhealthy fats can have an estrogenic effect. That means they contain substances that mimic estrogen, a female hormone that men have smaller amounts of. It is important to maintain the right balance between estrogen and testosterone to preserve sexual health, mood, energy, and strength.
- Alcohol: Alcohol lowers inhibitions and also lower erection and sexual performance. Regularly drinking excessively (more than two drinks per day) can lower testosterone levels by eliminating it from your blood stream and lowering your production rate of testosterone.
Prevention of sexual impotence
Methods of possible prevention include:
- taking part in physical exercise, which decreases the risk of impotence
- avoiding smoking, drugs, or alcohol abuse
- getting enough sleep
- following a healthy diet
- reducing stress, anxiety, and depression
- maintain low blood pressure
Having and maintain an erection requires good blood flow and plenty of available nutric oxide.
Conclusion
Sexual impotence is any physical or psychological problem that prevents you or your partner from getting sexual satisfaction.Dietary management of sexual impotence include the intake of fresh fruits, especially strawberries, mangoes, coconuts, bananas, apples; vegetables such eggplant, cucumbers, carrots and corn. Other vegetables that are also highly recommended in a diet for sexual erectile dysfunction include garlic, avocadoes, tomato, beans, garlic, onions, spinach, soybeans, and peppers. Engaging in physical exercise can decrease the risk of sexual impotence.
References
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Diaz, V.A. & Close, J.D. (2010).Male sexual dysfunction.Primary Care, 37(3), 473 – 489.
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Johnson, W. H. & Virginia, E. (2009).Human sexual inadequacy (2nded.).London: Churchill.
Kaplan, H. S. (2014).The new sex therapy; active treatment of sexual dysfunctions.New York: Brunner/Mazel.
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