Have you ever been invited to a buffet dinner but was not allowed to eat? If that is frustrating, try having a sexual desire so intense it makes your head spin, but is incapable of satisfying yourself and your partner.
Such is the woeful lot of men suffering from erectile dysfunction.
It cuts, like a razor, into his manhood, affecting his ego, self-esteem and confidence in conducting himself with ease in social functions.
When it fell upon me, I struggled so hard to find what's wrong with me.
Finding no answer, I withdrew into myself, burdened by thoughts that I am less worthy than other men.
Then one day, probably more out of loneliness than self-pity, I opened myself up to some of the members of my tennis club.
Voila! I found out that I was not alone.
I was in a tribe.
More importantly, I found out that there are more than half a dozen ways, legit or otherwise, to thumb my nose at ED.
Through the wonders of science, erectile dysfunction is no longer much of a psychological problem now than it was during my father's time.
Men with ED can now find relief in any of the following: Medical treatment: In a lot of cases ED is caused by medical problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems, stress, depression, etc.
ED will normally go away once these medical problems are treated properly.
Care is suggested in the choice of drugs for these problems, though.
Some anti-depressants can contribute to ED.
Medications: Remember the time when Viagra hit the headlines? It took the world of erectile dysfunctional me by storm.
Not anymore.
Its hold in the market has since be eroded by alternative products like Levitra, Cialis, Erefil and many others, To give the market more choices, the Chinese, from their kitchen labs, have since given Pfizer and pals a good run for their money through products like True Hero, Robust, etc.
People often prefer the Chinese version of Viagra because they are cheap and can easily be bought from any Chinese herbal shop.
Men taking nitrate-based drugs for heart problems must consult with their doctors before taking any of these erection-enhancing drugs - FDA certified or not..
Hormone reinforcement: Men's natural testosterone levels start dropping off at age 30 or something.
This means their libido is on a downward plunge, taking with it their sexual staying power.
It is in this age range and onwards that Viagra, et al, are making a killing.
But for men fond of delivering impromptu, rather than planned, speeches, a testosterone injection may be preferred to bring back their youthful sexual exuberance at a moment's notice..
Again, this needs a doctor's guidance.
Skirting the issue: Other than medical problems and the onset of age, erectile dysfunction can be induced by lifestyle.
If you don't want to virtually put a pistol against your head, it is best to approach these lifestyle-related issues with moderation: o Alcohol consumption.
Alcohol is a downer and definitely not compatible with sex.
Wine may be a good prelude to intimacy but an excess of it leads nowhere but to bed to sleep o Cigarettes.
Nicotine builds up along artery walls restricting blood flow, including to that of the penis.
o Stress, depression, anxiety, fear and other emotional issues affect our psychological well-being like desire and satisfaction.
Whatever it is that bugs you, affecting your sex life, open up with your partner.
ED is both your problem and has to be shared.
Erectile dysfunction is not something to make you feel weird or different; to run away from society.
It is very real and very common and it can be circumvented, if not totally cured.