Impotence in Men: Save Your Marriage, Maintain Optimum Nutrition

The reasons for getting into any marriage are numerous but one of paramount importance is for sexual pleasure. A satisfying sexual relationship is one of the keys to a quality marital relationship. Sexual gratification involves meeting sexual needs in a manner that is satisfying to both spouses. Thus, any jeopardy to sexual satisfaction in marital relationships is not always treated lightly. No sane woman can stand any man who cannot satisfy her sexual desire. Women often treat such men like trained soldiers who stand next to the enemy but cannot shoot at him/her. Sexual impotence is one of the outstanding shocks to rather once stable relationships.

Medically it is simply defined as the failure of men to obtain or maintain an erection that is sufficiently firm to permit copulation or penetration. Impotence is a common problem and in the United States it is estimated that between 10 and 15 million men suffer from severe erectile dysfunction. The incidence of the problem seems to increase with age. Statistics show that less than 1 percent of the male population under 30 years of age is affected, 3 percent under 45 years, 7 percent between 45 and 55 years, 25 percent at age 65, and up to 75 percent in men 80 years old.

It is one of the major causes of marriage breakages and failed relationships as well as increased spread of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Many women cannot tolerate a man who cannot satisfy their sexual desire. Consequently, they start indulging in marital conflicts, extramarital relationships and eventually separation or desertion follows. All these usually come with heavy psychological and physical harms which leave their victims perturbed. Such effects could be chronic and can lead to death of one or both spouses.

Impotence is caused by several factors including faulty genitals, psychological problems and side effects of drugs (like diuretics, tricyclic antidepressants, H2 blockers, beta-blockers, and hormones) taken for other disorders. As noted by many medical doctors, sexual potence is a consequence of good health, both physical and mental. All unhealthful foods like tobacco, alcohol and caffeine promote sexual impotence. Also chronic disorders like atheriosclerosis and diabetes mellitus which reduce the flow of blood in the arteries of the penis cause impotence.

The good news for all men is that sexual impotence can be prevented at earlier age by eating healthful foods that are nutrient dense and well balanced. Since the incidence of the problem increases with age, consumption of healthful foods with avoidance of tobacco, alcohol and coffee is more likely to delay or complete prevent the incidence of the problem. The general dietary advice is to increase the intake of antioxidants (such as provitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E), wheat germ and zinc. All these nutrients especially the antioxidants have a major role in the improvement of blood flow to the arteries that supply the erectile tissue of the penis. Wheat germ is particularly rich in B group vitamins and vitamin E, as well as minerals and trace elements that are beneficial to the proper functioning of the nervous system that is necessary for correct sexual response. Zinc is required for the development and proper functioning of the genital organs. Regular consumption of wheat germ, sesame, maple sugar, oil-bearing nuts and legumes will provide adequate zinc for any man who wants to maintain his sexual potence.

However, all men at the risk of developing impotence or those who are already affected should reduce or eliminate alcoholic beverages, cholesterol, saturated fat and stimulant beverages. All these foods have detrimental effects towards the normal functioning of the genitals. For example, alcohol interferes with the transmission of nerve impulses to the penis, which makes erection difficult or impossible. Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, which reduces blood flow to the penis and consequently decreases the intensity of erection. Cholesterol is related to the development of arteriosclerosis which affects the arteries of the penis. Blockade of arteries of the penis due to arteriosclerosis reduces blood supply to the organ. Consequently, erection will be impossible.

Therefore, all men experiencing impotence should regularly visit their Nutritionists so that they get proper prescriptions of the diets to be followed. The above are just recommendations which can vary from individual to individual. Depending on the seriousness of the problem, drugs can be taken after being prescribed by the physician. However, it is should be noted that most drugs have serious side effects including scarring. Like those before us have always said, prevention is better than cure. All men should thus consume lots of fruits, whole grains and vegetables which contribute to the maintenance of potence better than any other food or product. Optimal nutrition, in combination with stress management, exercise and a positive attitude can all enhance Central Nervous system and the Circulatory system, all of which are vital copulation