A good way of controlling impotence is by making changes to your diet. You need to reduce on fats, especially foods that contain a lot of cholesterol. Substances such as cholesterol can cause blockages in arterial walls, which impede blood flow resulting in erectile dysfunction. You can then turn over to a diet high in protein, low in carbohydrates and fats. Garlic has some properties that have a curing effect on persons suffering from impotence. Taking two cloves of garlic, raw and not cooked can relieve a person from the symptoms of impotence. Some scientists hypothesize that garlic has some chemical substance which clears the blood vessels supplying the penis by either inhibiting the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) or it stimulates the release of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) which causes the blood vessels in the penis to relax and fill with blood thus causing an erection.

Another way to treat impotence will be to make changes in your lifestyle. For example if you are a chain smoker or an alcoholic, your smoking and drinking habits may be the cause of your impotence. Alcohol increases blood pressure, which can cause erectile dysfunction while on the other hand tobacco cigarettes contain nicotine – a substance that constricts blood vessels. When blood vessels constrict, blood volume reduces. In order to get an erection, the volume of blood in the erectile tissue of the penis needs to increase. The effects of alcohol and nicotine are not permanent, so that means the moment you stop taking these drugs, your blood soon becomes clean and in no time you will be able to get an erection again. So why not try treating your impotence naturally, after also you lose nothing and its risk free.

Levitra is a drug that falls in a group of drugs known as PDE5 inhibitors, PDE5 standing for phosphodiesterase type 5. In order to explain how the drug works, we are going to look at the sequence of events that take place during an erection.

When the body is sexually stimulated, it starts to release nitric oxide (NO) in the vascular organs of the corpus cavernosum. The corpus cavernosum is one of two spongy tissues located in the penis, which fills up with blood during an erection. When the secreted NO reaches the corpus cavernosum, it activates guanylate cyclise – an enzyme that catalyzes the increase of cyclic guanosine monophosphate. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate is the substance that causes the smooth muscles in the spongy region of the penis to relax. The relaxation of the spongy tissue precedes an increase in blood flow, which then effects an erection. The role of the drug is to slow the breakdown of cyclic guanosine monophosphate by inhibiting the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which then helps maintain an erection during sexual intercourse.
Levitra is a prescription drugs and comes in doses ranging from 2.5mg – 20mg. The recommended dose is 10mg. The drug can be taken a couple of hours before indulging in sexual activity. The medical specialists recommend that the drug be taken once a day, in order to avoid other possible side effects that can further increase impotence. It is important to note that this drug is no wonder drug; it does not guarantee an erection. There is still a need of sexual stimuli even after taking the drug.

Just like any other drugs, Levitra can have side effects. Known side effects include nausea, drowsiness, skin rashes, reduced appetite and headaches. There are also severe cases though rare, in which the drug can cause heart related diseases. It is also worthwhile to know that persons that have conditions that are dangerous such as hypertension and other diseases that are associated with the cardiovascular system must not administer the drug.
It is therefore a good recommendation to you visit your doctor, they carry out all the necessary tests and determine the cause of your erectile dysfunction. Your doctor will be able to determine accurately whether it would be suitable to let you take the drug as well as determining the dosage level, which would be ideal for your condition. It is normal for the drug to interact with other drugs, which will affect its function thus making it become non-functional.

Thus, if you are already under any medication your doctor will be able to determine whether it would be possible for you to take this drug in conjunction with your medication. Remember there are some cheap imitation drugs on the market, so always check that the drugs you are purchasing are FDA-approved. Levitra is a drug, which is FDA-approved and is a safe drug for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men. So remember whatever you do, do not lean upon your own understanding of impotence; always consult your doctors and pharmacists.

Impotence is a disorder that has many causative agents, so we are going to look at some of the possible causes of male impotence. The most common cause of impotence among males is drugs. A good example of a drug that can trigger impotence or erectile dysfunction is alcohol. Alcohol can affect the nervous system thus affecting the signals sent by the brain to the penis to effect an erection. Another drug that can trigger impotence is nicotine, the substance found in tobacco cigarettes. Nicotine causes arteries to constrict thus reducing the amount of blood that pushed through an artery, which in turn affects erection.

Another cause of impotence can be your health status. If you are suffering from a certain disease such as high blood pressure and are taking medication, you may suffer from erectile dysfunction. Blood pressure affects erection for an erection is the result of blood filling in the erectile tissue of the penis. Therefore, any condition that either elevates or lowers blood pressure to abnormal or subnormal levels also affects erectile functionality of the penis. Physical damage to any parts of the penis can also attribute to impotence.

There is also a major cause for impotence, though it is one of the least considered and that is emotional stress. When the human brain gets excited sexually, it sends signal through the nervous system in the spine until it reaches to the penis where it causes the erectile tissues to become turgid as they fill with blood. However, in times of emotional stress such signals are strongly suppressed, such that even in the event of receiving sexual stimuli from a partner, the body does not respond. Self-confidence also plays a role in getting an erection. If you have once suffered from erectile dysfunction earlier you may find that, the condition continues to haunt you and yet it will just be a psychological thing. This is true for as long as your brain gets the initial idea of failure to achieve an erection, there will actually be high chances that you will fail to get one all because of lack of confidence.

Now that you have an idea of what causes impotence it is now time to examine ourselves our lifestyles and identify what can be the cause of our impotence and only then can we treat it.

So then, if you are suffering from impotence does it mean you have to give in? No, not at all! Impotence is a condition that you can easily get treated. There are two ways to treat impotence, one way is by using drugs and the other is by using natural remedies. There are drugs like Levitra on the market, which doctors recommend to treat impotence. What you need to do is to first consult your doctor so he/she can examine you properly and determine whether it would be suitable for you to start taking the drug as well as determining which is the proper dose for you. Levitra is a safe drug, but like any other drug it has side effects. Thus if you are to take it and realize you are experiencing some side effects, it is wise to discontinue its use.

There is a category of people that doctors do not consider as “safe candidates” to undergo drug treatment. For these doctors may recommend they go for the natural treatments. People included in this category are those that suffer from heart diseases, kidney and bladder complications. If you have such a condition, there is no need to worry for you can treat impotence with something as simple as exercise. Exercise is good for it improves the efficiency of the cardiovascular system. Regular exercise can increase the amount of blood we have in our bodies, something that is very essential when it comes to getting an erection. You can also adjust your diet and include vegetables like garlic, which cleanse the blood vessels promoting increased blood volume. Another way in which you can easily treat impotence is by changing your way of thinking. This may sound ridiculous but it is actually true. Some people suffer from impotence of the mind, that is their impotence is long fixed in their minds and that is why when they try to indulge into sex they fail because it all in their minds. The moment they start thinking positively, they will find there was no problem after all.

Some men are not sure how to tell if they are impotent or not. The symptoms can be easily detected. It occurs when a man is aroused but his penis cannot get an erection. It can also occur when the penis is erect for a short time such that it is impossible to complete a sexual act. These are the two telltale symptoms.

A doctor can diagnose the condition and its causes. Medical and sexual history of the patient is the important determinant of whether there is need to carry out tests. This is the point where men have to be completely honest. A doctor is a trained professional so there is no need for one to be ashamed of anything. Sexual history entails all the sexual difficulties that one may experience like failure to have an erection or to ejaculate. The medical history includes any past conditions or medications. These may have a hand in the cause of the condition. Medical conditions or medications affect every one in four men. History helps the doctor to determine whether the condition is because of physical or psychosomatic causes.

Impotence is linked to a number of physical problems that arise from lifestyle, diet and weight as well as certain diseases. Smoking, alcohol and drug abuse sometimes leads to impotency, as they tend to constrict the arteries in the penis. The condition also comes with age. Hormonal levels go down and there are changes in blood circulation as men get older. Hypertension and high levels of cholesterol also lead to the condition. It may arise during treatment, especially treatment for hypertension, or after surgery around the pelvis. Other diseases include atherosclerosis, and diabetes.

Psychosomatic causes of impotence are emotional and mental. They are usually self induced and can be treated without the use of medications. Stress and fatigue are very common causes considering the stressful environments people spend most of their time. Anxiety, guilt, depression and grief are some of the feelings that cause erectile problems. Other causes include sexual ennui or lack of sexual excitement.

There are some preventive measures that men can employ in order not be affected by impotence. A proper diet is very important, which must be coupled with exercise on a regular basis. Men who smoke, drink or take drugs must either reduce or stop completely. It is important to relax, even in a stressful environment. Sleep is also important and one should have at least 6 to 8 hours of sleep everyday. If the symptoms persist then there is need for treatments. The doctor can advise on the best treatment regime in accordance to the cause of the condition.

What are the symptoms?
The primary symptoms of impotence are when a penis is unable to become erect or if it is unable to retain its state of erection during sexual activity. This can be very frustrating. Men tend to avoid having to be in such a situation. Impotence is due to a number of causes ranging from diet, weight, smoking, being in nerve-racking or tense environments, negative thoughts and feelings and underlying causes like disorders.

How does a penis get erect?
Two mechanisms lead to an erection. The first mechanism is connected to the nervous system and is a reflex erection. It occurs when one touches the penis and it sends signals to the peripheral nerves as well as the spinal cord. The second mechanism occurs when the penis is responding to stimulation, which may be visual, erotic, mental or emotional and the brain receives the signals. This is the psychogenic erection.

The penis has three layers of erectile tissue, the principal one being corpora cavernosa. When the penis experiences some stimulation, the body releases nitric oxide. This chemical causes the smooth muscles of the corpora cavernosa to relax. When this happens, the arteries dilate, allowing blood to flow into the tissues of the shaft. The shaft begins to stiffen until it is in a state of erection. The penis remains erect because of the presence of extra blood in the shaft. Blood keeps flowing in until a man reaches an orgasm. After this, the blood starts to flow out and the penis softens.

What stops an erection from occurring?
• Nitric Oxide is an essential part of the process. If the body does not release it, then the corpora cavernosa cannot relax and receive blood flow.
• There may be increased production of an enzyme called PDE5, which breaks down the substance that cause relaxation to occur.
• There may be constriction of the blood vessels in the penis, reducing the supply and flow of blood to the tissues.
• Hormonal deficiencies also prevent erections. Testosterone is a very important hormone as it plays a role in sexual functions. It is in deficient amounts, then impotence occurs.

Ways to Prevent Impotence
There are ways that men can follow in order to prevent impotence. This is possible if it is not already a problem although it is also helpful. If the problem is persistent, it is wiser to go to a doctor. Men can make exercising a habit. It does not have to be vigorous but it is important for it to be regular. This must go in hand with a well balanced diet regime. Avoiding nicotine-based products has a huge effect on preventing impotence. Other factors to avoid include alcohol, steroids and other related drugs. Drinking water helps to maintain the quality of the blood and facilitates its movement.

One cause of impotence is age. As we advance in age, we tend to lose vigor and our blood vessels tend to lose their elasticity. Our organs begin to operate beyond optimum, due to cell degeneration because of advancing age. This means that as they age, they end up restricting smooth blood flow. This reduces the volume of blood that can reach organs in the extremities such as the penis. Since an erection is the result of blood collecting in the spongy tissue of the penis that means the reduction in blood volume also means a reduction in erectile strength.

Impotence is not only associated with old age. We can be young and yet still suffer from erectile dysfunction. The majority of young men that suffer from erectile dysfunction do so because of using drugs. Drug abuse is a major cause of erectile dysfunction. Drugs such as cocaine, heroine, alcohol, nicotine all play a role in disturbing the normal function of the nervous system. Anything that affects the nervous system can also trigger the onset of impotence. This is so for when the body receives a sexual stimulus it sends messages via the central nervous system in a complex chain of reactions and pathways until it gets to the penis resulting in an erection. Drugs retard the speed at which such signals are conveyed through the central nervous system, thus resulting in the penis not responding at the desired time.

There are certain diseases, which can cause erectile dysfunction. The most common diseases that are associated with impotence are diabetes, coronary heart diseases, kidney and bladder problems. All these diseases either affect the rate at which blood circulates in the body or affect the chemical composition of the blood itself. Any changes to blood pressure or blood chemical composition brought about by these diseases causes the blood vessels to constrict, thus making it impossible to achieve an erection.

Another possible cause for erectile dysfunction is physical damage to the penis. The penis is connected to the nervous system via nerve receptor sites. If these nerves that are located in the penis are damaged, that means the signals that will be sent by the brain will stop somewhere and not reach the targeted organ which is the penis thus resulting in an erectile dysfunction. There are also certain diseases, particularly sexually transmitted diseases, which if untreated they can even permanently damage the erectile tissue of the penis thus resulting in permanent erectile dysfunction. Damage can also result from surgery, which affects the structure of the penis.