Erectile Dysfunction

Erection problems are commonly found in adult men. Almost all men experience occasional difficulty getting or maintaining an erection. Erectile dysfunction (ED), sometimes called as impotence, is defined as the consistent inability to attain or maintain an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse.

Age and erectile dysfunction

In older men, erectile dysfunction usually has a physical cause, such as disease, injury, side effects of drugs, etc. Any disorder that causes injury to the nerves or impairs blood flow in the penis has the potential to cause erectile dysfunction. Incidence increases with age.

Causes of erectile dysfunction

1. a.    Psychological causes

Starting with feelings of sexual excitement, a number of things can interfere and cause or worsen erectile dysfunction like:

• Depression, both mild and severe
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Fatigue (due to disease, syndrome and general weakness)
• Relationship problems due to stress, poor communication or other concerns

1. b.    Physical causes

Majority of these cases are secondary to diseases and disorders. These physical causes can further be classified into:

(i) Diseases and disorders that cause erectile dysfunction are:

• Heart disease
• Atherosclerosis
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes (It is one of the major causes. 35-50% men with diabetes experience ED)
• Obesity or overweight
• Metabolic syndrome
• Parkinson's disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Low testosterone
• Peyronie's disease (development of scar tissue inside the penis)

As per reports, diseases mentioned above account for about 70 percent of erectile dysfunction cases. Proper treatment for the diseases effecting erectile dysfunction is essential.

(ii) Other causes include:

• Certain medications (like for depression or high blood pressure)
• Tobacco use
• Alcoholism and other forms of substance abuse such as cocaine and heroin
• Treatments for prostate cancer or enlarged prostate using hormones and allopathic drugs
• Surgeries or injuries that affect the pelvic area or spinal cord
• Lifestyle problems like obesity as mentioned above

General management

• Counselling can help couples deal with the emotional effects. It is also useful for the men who are with tension, stress and anxiety.
• Lifestyle changes like regular exercise, quitting smoking, losing weight, and reducing alcohol intake may solve erection problems along with indicated remedy.

Homoeopathic management

Homoeopathic approach is to individualise the case based on the totality of symptoms, examination and tests. The role of homoeopathy is more effective in physiological dysfunctions rather than pathological involvement. Homoeopaths usually prescribe drugs like Acidum phosphorricum, Agnus castus, Argentum nitricum, Argentum metallicum, Aurum muriaticum natronatum, Avena sativa, Caladium, Calcarea carbonica, Carboneum sulphuratum, Cobaltum metallicum, Damiana, Ginseng, Kalium phosphoricum, Lecithinum, Muira puama, Nuphar luteum, Onosmodium, Yohimbinum and others. Along with such indicated remedy, homoeopaths also prescribe condition specific remedies like Damiaplant, which contains renowned herbs like Damiana, Ginseng, Agnus castus, Nuphur luteum and Muira puama.

Get remedies

Please consult your homoeopath.

 Disclaimer: The information provided herein on request should not be taken as a replacement of medical advice or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition.