How To Get Over Impotence

Learning how to get over impotence, or erectile dysfunction (ED), impacts most men at some point in their lives. Getting over impotence, or learning to manage it, involves ruling out physical and psychological factors, finding the cause, and following the appropriate course of treatment. For some men, impotence is a temporary condition that, once treated, never recurs. Other men may have to take more long-term approaches to treatment. This article gives you some tips and techniques for making the best choices as you work to overcome impotence.

1. See your General Practitioner. While it can be difficult to talk about sexual difficulties, a visit to your general practitioner should be your first step in seeking treatment for erectile dysfunction. Some episodes of ED are caused by physical conditions that are fairly easily treatable. Your doctor can rule out (or confirm) physical causes of ED such as diabetes, high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries, thyroid conditions, heart disease, or chronic illnesses. Also discuss your medications with your doctor, as many medications can contribute to ED, including beta-blockers, some anti-depressants, and some heart medications. Depending on the outcome of your tests, your doctor may prescribe treatment or refer you to a specialist.
2. Rule Out (Or Treat) Psychological Factors. A number of psychological factors may also contribute to impotence. Depression, stress, anxiety (performance or generalized), unresolved anger, and grief, among others, can dampen your sex drive and result in erectile difficulties. If you are already being treated for one of these conditions, discuss your medication with your prescribing physician to see if it may be contributing to your ED. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression such as lack of interest or enjoyment,or  lethargy, or you are under high or chronic stress, discuss your treatment options with your general practitioner. He or she may prescribe anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medication, recommend talk therapy, or refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist. Be sure to follow up on any referrals.
3. Examine Environmental Factors. Environmental and lifestyle factors can also contribute to episodes of impotence. Nicotine and alcohol use can impact your sexual function, so quit smoking and limit your drinking. Relationship problems can also undermine healthy sexual function. After all, intimacy with your partner is key to good sex. If your relationship is going through a rough patch, or if there are unresolved issues in the relationship, seeking couples counseling can help get you back on the right track. If your relationship is not actively troubled but is marked by some distance between you and your partner, taking the time to reconnect can also help resolve episodes of ED. Lack of sleep is also a major contributor to erectile problems, so be sure to get adequate rest.
4. Follow Your Treatment Plan. Impotence is highly treatable, and you have a number of options. Work with your doctor(s) to set the right treatment protocol and then follow through with it. Drugs such as Viagra and Cialis may be your best course. You may also benefit from therapy or anti-depressants if your ED is caused by psychological factors. Whatever you and your healthcare practitioners decide, follow your treatment plan carefully and report any problems immediately.
5. Be Gentle With Yourself. Erectile problems can take their toll on your self-esteem and your relationship. Do not blame yourself or psych yourself out, you will make the problem worse in most cases. Instead, realize that treatment may take some time to take effect. Communicate with your partner every step of the way, and also be sure to go easy on yourself. Do not beat yourself up or tell yourself you are in any way inadequate. Instead, applaud yourself for seeking treatment, whatever that looks like for you.