Impotence

There area a number of medical conditions that make it physically difficult or impossible for a man to have an erection. These include injury or surgery to the spinal cord, certain chronic illness such ass diabetes, come nervous disorders, and a number of different drugs-tranquilizers, diuretics, antidepressants, barbiturates, drugs for high blood pressure, and stomach ulcers. Of course, there's also one more cause none of us can escape-old age. By the age of 65 the average angle of erection has declined from 120 to 75 degrees.

However, there is something of a debate in the medical profession as to whether most cases of impotence are due to such physical causes or whether they have a psychological origin because, while erections are certainly the result of a reflex, there is nothing automatic about them.

They can be helped by trust, relaxation and fantasy and they can become a problem because of guilt, sexual taboos and fears of inadequacy when there are no physical problems at all. In fact the psychological reasons for being unable to make love can be all to mundane-job worries, money problems, depression, and fatigue all have a habit of getting into bed with us. Some experts claim that 90 percent of cases are due to the mind, though others put the effect of physical causes much higher.

THE ORTHODOX APPROACH

When it comes to treatment there is a sharp division between the strict medical view and the ideas of the caring, therapeutic professions. The most commonly recommended treatment for psychological impotence is that developed over 30 years ago by masters and Johnson. Couples are encouraged to slow down, relax, practice touching a mutual stroking, but to delay penetration for anything up to a week while they follow a series of increasingly imaginative sexual exercises.

Doctors and hospitals, on the other hand, rather ignore the mental element and tend to rely on injections of papavarin, a drug that will guarantee erections but won't deal with any underlying emotional issues. Other more radical treatments include surgically implanting a pump that can be activated when needed.

THE HALE APPROACH

Problems with erection should first be analyzed by a urologist or specialist in sexual medicine. Try complementary treatments before you proceed with the orthodox options.

Impotence can often be caused by an interlay of physical and mental factors, so it is advisable to choose a program or a combination of treatments which addresses both these aspects.

Homeopathy, acupuncture, and Ayurveda will treat both the physical and mental sides of the problem and be combined with Supportive Treatments such as light therapy, aromatherapy, and healing. Chi Kung and yoga can be used as self-care tools to strengthen the body and calm the mind.

Hypnosis and psychotherapy focus more on the mental aspects of impotence and can be particularly helpful in treating the more deep-seated psychological problems associated with this disorder.

ACUPUNCTURE

According to acupuncturists impotence is caused by damage to the kidney yin or yang energy, resulting form repeated seminal emission or excessive sexual activity. It may also be due to imbalance in the heart and spleen energy, resulting from emotional factors such as fright or worry; stagnation of liver energy; or there presence of damp and heat, causing relaxation of tendons and muscles. Impotence may also result from other diseases such as hepatitis or prostatitis. These primary diseases should be treated first.

Although impotence is characterized by failure to achieve erection, or by weak erection, there may be other symptoms: if the kidney yang is deficient, there may be weakness of the lower back and knees, dizziness, blurred vision and the need to urinate frequently; if the heart and spleen are involved there will be palpitations and insomnia. Full consideration of the patient's symptoms, including examination of the pulse and tongue, will determine the exact cause and the most suitable program of treatment, directed toward relieving the cause of the problem. Treatment may include body and ear acupuncture, moxibustion (the use of hot needles) if appropriate, change of diet and exercise to strengthen the kidneys and improve energy flow. Acupuncture gives satisfactory results in the treatment of impotence, especially when it is combined with lifestyle advice to help prevent recurrence. During the period of treatment sexual activity must be avoided. More about acupuncture...

HOMEOPATHY

The very specific nature of homeopathic remedies means that it regards impotence as coming from a number of different causes which need different remedies. For instance, there are cases where the problem stems from a fear of sex, which may derive from worries about A.I.D.S. or a strict upbringing where sex was frowned upon. These cases may respond to the following remedies:

•           For a man who is torn between and intense desire for sex and a fear of sexual failure plus a general insecurity-Lycopodium.

•           For phobias and irrational fears about catching something-Pulsatilla.

•           When there are difficulties causes by grief of disappointment in a previous relationship-Ignatia

In cases where there is a specific problem with getting an erection the following remedies area advised:

•           A surge of desire followed by the anticipation of failure and the penis cold and small-Lycopodium.

•           Erection does not last, a great surge of sexual feeling after long abstinence, legs feel cold and cramped-Conium. More about homeopathy...

HYPNOTHERAPY

"This is a question of confidence, of relaxation and how you relate to your partner," explains one hypnotherapist. "If you are consistently failing to make love it may be there are some unacknowledged feelings about her-perhaps you are angry or threatened -and hypnosis can help to let them out."

Alternatively a cycle of anxiety can be set up. A man is tired or worried can't perform as is quite natural- but feels "less of a man" because of it. He becomes anxious about making love and his worry causes hi to fall again. Here hypnotherapy can help the person to relax.

Some men feel threatened if their partners are more successful than they are. The way out is to bring the complex emotions involved to the surface. More about hypnotherapy...

PSYCHOTHERAPY

In dealing with sexual problems such as impotence, the primary goal of therapy is to create or restore mutual sexual comfort and satisfaction. This is achieved through emphasizing mutual pleasure, closeness, and the enchantment of one's own and one's partner's satisfaction. Placing an emphasis on performance is often counter-productive, creating more anxiety and ultimately contributing to the problem. Therapy therefore focuses on non-performance goals, but the establishment of a more pleasurable and non-demanding sexual process will often have a pleasant side-effect, more effective sexual performance.

The therapist needs to earn the trust of both partners, not taking sides and being careful to allow for the discussion of difficult and sensitive subjects in a non-threatening environment. Religious and cultural beliefs need to be taken into consideration, as well as more general matters pertaining to lifestyle and family life.

There are several approaches to therapy in this area, falling under the general heading of cognitive- behavioural therapy. One common method is referred to as "sensate focus" exercises, which involve encouraging a couple to approach intimate physical and emotional involvement with each other in a series of safe but gradually more intense stages. This "homework" allows people to engage in sexually related exercises and the on-going therapy sessions review progress, identify positive changes, and help the couple express and resolve any anxieties or problems.

Education is a fundamental part of the process, and providing information may be most important aspect of sex therapy. Giving consideration to the environment and circumstances in which the sexual relationship exists is also essential, as is challenging negative beliefs or attitudes, and reducing thoughts which interfere with sexual satisfaction. Communication problems are often encountered in sex therapy, and indeed often present as more specific issues around sexual matters. The therapist identifies these and helps the couple work towards more effective, non-threatening styles of communication, which in turn contribute to the development of a mutually satisfying sexual relationship.

Psychological therapy with impotence is therefore a complex process comprising several different facets, all of which need to be considered if the couple is to achieve the kind of sexual relationship they desire.  More about psychotherapy...

SELF-CARE

Flower remedies

Marigold (Petite Fleur) is said to be good for hormone imbalance and sexually related problems, and so is banana (African Essences AK).

SUPPORTIVE TREATMENTS

Healing

"The important thing here," according to one healer, "is completely to de-stress the patient. After a treatment they may sleep especially well because there was a lot of tension there that has now been released. Then healing energy can make them feel good about themselves again and help with circulation, which is useful with problems of impotence."

Ayurveda

According to Ayurvedic principles, impotence is created by the mind and by physical disability, possibly because of unhappiness or depression. Treatment involves herbs to improve potency and all total detoxification using enemas, laxatives, steam baths, and oil massage to tone up the whole body. But probably the best treatment if for the person to have the right partner.

Chi Kung

These gentle exercises can direct chi (intrinsic) energy to the affected area. There are many hundreds of exercises and your teacher will guide you as to which are most appropriate. Chi Kung (intrinsic) energy, improving control of muscles and nerves. Once mastered, these are ideal for self-care at home and form a useful support to other forms of complementary treatment.

Aromatherapy

Stress, poor diet, inability to relax and low kidney energy can all be factors in causing impotence. Clinical aromatherapy massage helps rebalance the body's energies and induce relaxation, boost circulation of the blood can chi energy, improving self-esteem. Oils such as jasmine, cedar wood, sandalwood, rosewood, and juniper help to overcome these difficulties. Use of oils at home between clinical sessions is essential.

Remedial Yoga

Yoga encourages a healthy energy flow in the body, decreasing any blockages that may be present. Blockages can disturb the flow of hormones, influenced by the functioning of the glands. Through body, mind, and breath, yoga teaches us how to rebalance, stimulate and relax any tensions that may be the cause of blockages.