Impotence - More Than A Sexual Problem
When the term impotence or erectile dysfunction is used, it simply means that the erection is absent, or that it can’t be maintained firmly enough to have sexual intercourse. Unfortunately, impotence is a word loaded with meanings which have nothing to do with the man’s ability to get and maintain an erection. The dictionary defines impotent as “lacking in power, strength or vigor.” But the common association of sexual impotence with powerlessness is nonsense. A man can be successful, happy and in charge of many aspects of his life and still have erection problems, just like he can have any other health problems. When it happens, impotence is a problem, but it’s one that usually can be solved. You can take charge of the erection problem in much the same way you deal with other types of health and life problems, by getting informed and getting help. The important thing is to see it as a health problem, not a statement about your worth as a man or a lover.
An episode of impotence may be said to have occurred when the male partner attempts normal vaginal intercourse and is either unable to achieve an erection of sufficient rigidity for penetration or, is able to penetrate, finds that the duration of erection proves inadequate for mutual satisfaction of both parties. Before concluding that impotence has occurred in a given episode, it is sometimes necessary to consider whether the time was sufficient to permit the achievement of an erection and the orgasmic characteristics of the female partner.
The length of time an erection should be maintained in order for the satisfaction of the female partner is also a very complex issue. Women differ widely in their ability to achieve orgasm by simple vaginal intercourse. Some women are able to achieve orgasm rapidly in this manner. Other women find it impossible to achieve an orgasm at all by vaginal intercourse. It is unreasonable to conclude that a man is impotent if he is unable to maintain an erection after penetration for a heroic period of time. An erection is adequate, from a male sexual performance standpoint, if it can be sustained within the vagina for a period of about 10 minutes.
Impotence sufferers should take the time to be more knowledgeable about the subject. Nevertheless it is believed that less than 5 percent of men with the problem seek medical treatment, which, if true, might make impotence the most common untreated medical disorder. It is still not at all uncommon to encounter men who have waited years before seeking treatment. Impotence is more than just a sexual problem. Given the importance of male sexuality, it is a problem that always should be promptly medically investigated and treated in an appropriate manner.
