Can a hernia cause erectile dysfunction. How does hernia repair surgery affect sexual function. What are the potential complications of untreated hernias. Discover the relationship between hernias and male sexual health

Understanding Hernias: Types and Prevalence

Hernias occur when internal organs or tissues protrude through weakened areas of the abdominal wall. While various types of hernias exist, inguinal hernias are particularly relevant when discussing potential impacts on male sexual function.

Inguinal hernias are the most common type, occurring in the groin area. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), approximately 27% of adult males will develop an inguinal hernia at some point in their lives. This high prevalence underscores the importance of understanding the potential relationships between hernias and sexual health.

Types of Hernias

• Inguinal hernia: Occurs in the groin area
• Femoral hernia: Appears in the upper thigh
• Umbilical hernia: Develops around the navel
• Hiatal hernia: Forms in the upper stomach area
• Incisional hernia: Occurs at the site of previous abdominal surgery

The Direct Impact of Hernias on Erectile Function

Do hernias directly cause erectile dysfunction? In most cases, the answer is no. Hernias typically do not involve sexual organs in their development, which means they are unlikely to directly cause erectile dysfunction (ED) or affect sexual function.

However, it’s important to note that the presence of a hernia, particularly an inguinal hernia, can indirectly impact sexual function. The discomfort, pain, or visible bulge associated with an inguinal hernia may lead to psychological stress or physical limitations that could affect a person’s sexual performance or desire.

Potential Indirect Effects of Hernias on Sexual Function

1. Physical discomfort during sexual activity
2. Reduced confidence due to visible bulge
3. Anxiety about worsening the hernia during intercourse
4. Limited range of motion or positioning during sex

Hernia Repair Surgery and Its Impact on Sexual Function

While hernias themselves may not directly cause ED, the surgical intervention to repair them can potentially affect sexual function, at least temporarily. Hernia repair surgery, particularly for inguinal hernias, involves operating in close proximity to nerves and blood vessels that play a role in sexual function.

A 2020 review of studies involving 4,884 people found that some males experienced pain and sexual dysfunction after surgery to repair inguinal hernias. Approximately 9% of males reported pain during sexual activity, and around 5% experienced sexual dysfunction, defined as difficulty completing intercourse. However, it’s crucial to emphasize that these effects are typically temporary.

Timeframe for Recovery After Hernia Repair Surgery

• 3-5 days: Resumption of daily activities
• 2 weeks: Typical duration of mild pain and swelling
• 4-6 weeks: Full recovery for most patients

How soon can sexual activity resume after hernia repair surgery? The timing can vary depending on individual healing processes and the specific surgical technique used. It’s essential for patients to consult with their surgeon for personalized advice on when it’s safe to engage in sexual activity post-surgery.

Positive Effects of Hernia Repair on Sexual Function

Interestingly, some research suggests that hernia repair surgery can actually lead to improved sexual function in the long term. A 2016 study found that males experienced enhanced sexual function after surgery compared to their preoperative state.

Why might hernia repair improve sexual function? The removal of the hernia bulge and associated discomfort can alleviate physical and psychological barriers to sexual activity. Additionally, the restoration of normal anatomy may contribute to improved blood flow and nerve function in the groin area.

Factors Contributing to Improved Sexual Function Post-Surgery

1. Elimination of hernia-related pain and discomfort
2. Improved body image and confidence
3. Restoration of normal anatomical structure
4. Reduced anxiety about hernia complications during intercourse

Managing Erectile Dysfunction After Hernia Repair

For those who experience ED following hernia repair surgery, it’s important to remember that this condition is typically temporary. However, if ED persists or causes significant concern, various treatment options are available.

What are the treatment options for ED after hernia repair? Treatments may include lifestyle modifications, medication adjustments, counseling, and medical interventions. The appropriate treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the ED and the individual patient’s circumstances.

ED Treatment Options

• Lifestyle changes (e.g., smoking cessation, alcohol reduction)
• Medication adjustments
• Psychological counseling
• ED medications (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil)
• Surgical interventions (in rare cases)

Complications of Untreated Hernias

While the potential for temporary sexual dysfunction following hernia repair surgery may be a concern for some patients, it’s crucial to weigh this against the risks of leaving a hernia untreated.

What are the risks of an untreated hernia? Untreated hernias can lead to serious complications, including tissue death (necrosis) and intestinal obstruction. These complications can be life-threatening and require emergency surgery.

Potential Complications of Untreated Hernias

1. Incarceration: Hernia contents become trapped
2. Strangulation: Blood supply to herniated tissue is cut off
3. Bowel obstruction: Intestinal blockage occurs
4. Tissue necrosis: Death of herniated tissue
5. Sepsis: Life-threatening systemic infection

Hormonal Considerations in Hernia Development and Sexual Function

Recent research has begun to explore the potential role of hormones in hernia development and their relationship to sexual function. While direct causation has not been established in humans, animal studies have provided intriguing insights.

Can hormonal imbalances contribute to hernia formation? A 2018 animal study suggested that certain hormones, such as estrogen, may play a role in the development of inguinal hernias in male mice. However, it’s important to note that this research is preliminary and may not directly translate to human physiology.

Hormonal Factors in Hernia Research

• Estrogen’s potential role in hernia formation
• Age-related hormonal changes and hernia risk
• Testosterone levels and tissue strength
• Hormonal influences on collagen production and tissue integrity

While the relationship between hernias and testosterone levels is not fully understood, it’s worth noting that inguinal hernias most commonly affect older men, who typically have lower testosterone levels. This correlation doesn’t imply causation but highlights the complex interplay between age, hormones, and hernia risk.

Preventive Measures and Long-Term Outlook

Understanding the potential links between hernias and sexual function empowers individuals to take proactive steps in maintaining their overall health and well-being. While not all hernias can be prevented, certain lifestyle modifications may help reduce the risk of developing hernias or experiencing complications.

How can one reduce the risk of developing a hernia? Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding heavy lifting without proper technique, and managing chronic cough or constipation can all contribute to reducing hernia risk. Additionally, regular exercise to strengthen core muscles may help support abdominal wall integrity.

Hernia Prevention Strategies

1. Maintain a healthy body weight
2. Practice proper lifting techniques
3. Strengthen core muscles through exercise
4. Manage chronic cough and constipation
5. Quit smoking to improve tissue health

For those who have undergone hernia repair surgery, the long-term outlook is generally positive. Most patients experience a full recovery and return to normal activities, including sexual function, within a few weeks to months after surgery. However, it’s crucial to follow post-operative care instructions and attend follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and address any concerns promptly.

In conclusion, while hernias themselves are unlikely to directly cause erectile dysfunction, the relationship between hernias, their repair, and sexual function is complex. Temporary sexual issues may arise following hernia repair surgery, but these are typically short-lived. The benefits of addressing hernias through proper medical intervention far outweigh the risks of leaving them untreated. As always, open communication with healthcare providers is essential for addressing individual concerns and ensuring optimal outcomes in both hernia management and sexual health.

Hernia and erectile dysfunction: Is there a link?

A hernia is unlikely to cause erectile dysfunction (ED) or affect sexual function directly. However, some people may experience temporary sexual issues after surgery to repair certain types of hernias.

Surgery to repair a common type of hernia known as an inguinal hernia may cause pain that can affect sexual function until the area heals.

An inguinal hernia occurs when contents of the abdomen bulge through weak areas in the abdominal wall on either side of the groin.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), about 27% of adult males develop an inguinal hernia at some point.

This article discusses hernias and male sexual function, hernia repair surgery, ED, and more.

A note about sex and gender

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.

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A hernia is not likely to cause ED directly, as no sexual organs are involved in their development.

However, some males may experience temporary sexual dysfunction after they undergo surgery to repair a hernia.

Inguinal hernias mainly affect males and are the most likely type of hernia to have some effect on erectile function due to their location in the groin.

Doctors will most often treat inguinal hernia with surgery. Without treatment, a person may be at risk of serious complications, such as the death of tissues inside the hernia.

Learn about male sexual problems.

A 2020 review of studies involving 4,884 people found that some males experienced pain and sexual dysfunction after surgery to repair inguinal hernias.

It found that around 9% of the males experienced pain during sexual activity, and around 5% experienced sexual dysfunction. The study defined sexual dysfunction as having difficulty completing intercourse.

However, pain and sexual dysfunction after inguinal hernia repair are typically temporary.

Other research has found that inguinal hernia surgery can positively affect sexual function. A 2016 study found that males experienced improved sexual function after surgery compared with the preoperative period.

The researchers noted that pain or a bulge in the groin from inguinal hernias could affect sexual function. Hernia repair surgery significantly improved sexual function in the participants, especially in the later period after surgery.

Learn about hernia repair surgery.

A person should discuss with their doctor when it is safe to engage in sexual activity after the surgery. People can usually resume daily activities within 3–5 days following the procedure.

There may be some mild pain and swelling in the groin area and testicle after surgery, and a doctor will recommend pain relief options.

The pain typically recedes within 2 weeks, but a person should contact their doctor if it is severe or persistent.

ED that results from hernia repair surgery is typically temporary.

However, if a person is concerned about their sexual function or if ED persists, they should contact a doctor. They may recommend treatments and tips for managing ED.

Treatments for ED depend on the cause of the issue. Treatments may include:

• making lifestyle changes, such as stopping smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, if applicable
• changing certain medications that may contribute to ED
• receiving counseling to address emotional or psychological causes of ED
• taking medications to treat ED, such as sildenafil (Viagra) or tadalafil (Cialis)
• having ED surgery to rebuild arteries or implant a device to make the penis erect

Overall, doctors associate inguinal hernias with a good outlook if a person undergoes surgery to repair the hernia.

Although some people may experience sexual dysfunction and pain after surgery to repair a hernia, this is usually temporary. Surgery to repair a hernia can lead to an improvement in sexual function.

If a person does not receive treatment for an inguinal hernia, they are at risk of serious complications. The blood flow to the hernia can be cut off, causing tissues to die.

This can also cause intestinal obstruction, which is when food or fluids become blocked in the intestines. It can be life threatening.

This section answers common questions about hernias and ED.

Can a hernia cause low testosterone?

A 2018 animal research study suggests that certain hormones, such as estrogen, may play an important role in forming inguinal hernias in male mice.

However, there is no evidence that hernias directly cause low testosterone in human males.

According to the study, inguinal hernias most often affect older men, who typically have lower testosterone levels.

Can hernia repair cause ED?

Some people may experience temporary ED due to pain after surgery.

What is a common complication of a hernia?

The most frequent complication is the strangulation of tissue inside the hernia. This cuts off blood flow to the hernia, and the tissue inside it can die.

Hernias, such as an inguinal hernia that people can develop in the groin area, are not likely to affect sexual function or cause ED directly.

Sometimes, people experience temporary sexual dysfunction after surgery to repair the hernia.

However, surgery to repair a hernia can have a positive effect on sexual function, as it can alleviate pain and the bulging of tissue in the groin.

A person should not avoid treatment for a hernia — without treatment, a hernia can develop into serious complications.

Can a Hernia Cause ED?

Medically reviewed by Katelyn Hagerty, FNP

Written by Our Editorial Team

Last updated 11/26/2022

If you’ve ever had a hernia and are currently struggling with erectile dysfunction (ED), you might wonder if the former is the cause of the latter. Can a hernia cause ED?

Or maybe you’re wondering if you can use erectile dysfunction medication like Viagra® after hernia surgery.

inguinal or groin hernia in particular is an area of concern for plenty of men, who wonder whether or not it can possibly affect their sexual function — mainly because of the location of the hernia.

Both a hernia and erectile dysfunction are serious health issues that can affect your sexual life on their own. The possibility that there may be a connection between them would be enough to make most men wince.

But first, let’s talk about some basics.

What Is a Hernia?

A hernia is an internal organ that protrudes through the muscle or tissue that contains it. A hernia typically happens in the area between the chest and hips, known as the abdominal cavity.

Some common types of hernias include:

• Inguinal hernia. This type of hernia affects men more than women and happens in the inguinal canal when fatty tissue or a part of the intestine protrudes into the groin near the top of the inner thigh. In men, the inguinal canal leads the spermatic cord and blood vessels to the testicles. The inguinal canal in women contains the ligament that supports the womb.

• Femoral hernia. A femoral hernia is part of the intestine or fatty tissue that pushes into the groin, also at the top of the inner thigh. This type of hernia is less common than an inguinal hernia and affects older women more.

• Umbilical hernia. A hernia where fatty tissue or intestine pushes through the belly button or navel.

Hernias are fairly common medical conditions, with 75 percent to 80 percent of hernias that occur being inguinal hernia while three percent to 10 percent are umbilical hernias that occur generally.

A hernia can be the result of weakened muscles and strain from lifting heavy objects. You may also develop a hernia — specifically an umbilical hernia — if you’re overweight, have given birth recently or have a long-lasting cough.

Symptoms of a hernia can vary by the person as well as the type of hernia. An umbilical hernia for example may cause a mild ache or pain that becomes worse when strain is put on the abdomen — like lifting heavy weights or running.

However, the symptoms of an inguinal hernia can differ between men and women. Signs of an inguinal hernia in men generally consist of:

• Aching pain near the area

• Pressure

• Visible bulge or a bulge you can feel

• Tugging sensation of the scrotum

Meanwhile, inguinal hernia symptoms in women can include sharp pain, burning, a discomfort that increases with movement and a possible bulge.

Hernias typically don’t go away on their own and often need surgical repair to be healed. Men may put off inguinal hernia repair surgery if they’re not showing symptoms. However, hernias can grow and cause more complications over time, especially if left untreated.

There are two options for inguinal hernia surgery. 

The first is a minimally invasive inguinal surgery that uses laparoscopic surgery with small incisions and has a recovery time of approximately two weeks. 

The other is an open surgery, where surgeons make an incision directly at the location of the hernia. This surgery has a longer recovery time of four to six weeks. 

Regardless of the type of procedure, surgeons sometimes insert a synthetic mesh to provide extra support to the weak spot.

Inguinal hernia repair is common, accounting for about 800,000 surgeries performed each year in the U.S.

So, is there any connection between a hernia and erectile dysfunction?

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Can a Hernia Cause ED?

Before we answer this question, here’s some information on erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction happens when a man is unable to get and maintain a firm erection for penetrative sexual intercourse. This is a common issue, affecting about 30 million men in the U.S. and typically affecting older men. This can certainly cause issues in someone’s sexual relationship.

Erectile dysfunction can vary in severity, such as:

• Getting a firm erection but having difficulty maintaining the erection after penetration

• Finding it difficult to get an erection every time you want to have sex

• Not being able to get an erection at all, even when you’re sexually stimulated

Our guide on how to know if you have erectile dysfunction covers more about erectile function and what ED can look like.

Causes of erectile dysfunction can range from psychological reasons like stress to underlying health issues. So can a hernia cause ED?

Although hernias don’t cause pain for everyone, some people may experience sexual dysfunction if they are experiencing pain.

A small study published in the International Journal of Urology found that just over 23 percent of patients (both men and women) complained about preoperative sexual dysfunction.

People may also experience sexual dysfunction or chronic pain after hernia surgery. The above study also found that 16 percent of patients had sexual dysfunction after inguinal hernia repair.

Another 2020 review of 12 different studies concerning inguinal hernia surgery and men’s sexual health found that sexual dysfunction was an issue for five percent of men after hernia surgery, while nine percent experienced severe pain during sexual activity.

The severe pain some people experience after surgery may be associated with the mesh used in hernia repair causing inflammation or pain. Or patients with pain may be experiencing a nerve being caught in the mesh, causing severe pain.

Having an inguinal hernia and undergoing surgical repair may also impact sexual activity and the mesh repair could also lead to long-term tissue induration — which can impact sexual functions — according to a 2016 study published in the Central European Journal of Urology.

Bruising and swelling of the scrotum, base of the penis and testicles can also occur in some patients after open or laparoscopic surgery. Still, these symptoms should gradually fade on their own.

While there typically aren’t any medical or physical restrictions on sexual activity after surgery, patients should let any pain or discomfort guide their decisions, as sex may be uncomfortable at first. You should also consult with your health care provider about the recovery process if you’re going through with a hernia repair.

While there have been some reports of patients with pain after hernia surgery, the chance of an inguinal hernia causing sexual dysfunction is actually very low.  

Despite being near the reproductive organs, the inguinal canal is separate, which means it has its own nerves. 

Luckily, this means the nerves in the inguinal canal are the only ones that may be affected by an inguinal hernia or the surgery to repair it.

You may be more likely to experience pain or issues with sexual function if you don’t properly treat a hernia with surgery.

However, if you’re experiencing erectile dysfunction you may want to look into other possible causes.

Fortunately, erectile dysfunction is one of the easiest forms of sexual dysfunction to treat, either with FDA-approved medications, non-pharmaceutical treatments or a mix of both.

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Can I Take Viagra After Hernia Surgery?

Now that we’ve answered “can hernia cause erectile dysfunction”, we’ll cover other treatment options as well as let you know if you can take medications like Viagra after hernia surgery.

Your health care provider can look at your symptoms and identify any possible causes of your erectile dysfunction, which can help them figure out a treatment plan that works best for you.

Erectile Dysfunction Medications

Oral medication is a common treatment for erectile dysfunction, with several drugs having been approved for use by the FDA.

The most common ones include sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra®), tadalafil (Cialis®), vardenafil (Levitra®) and avanafil (Stendra®).

Viagra® (or the generic-version sildenafil) is one of the most common medications on the market, with a recommended dose of 50mg for most men.

You shouldn’t take Viagra if you’re currently taking medications such as nitrates, alpha-blockers or antihypertensives, or if you’ve been advised not to participate in sexual activities due to your cardiovascular status by your health care provider.

We’ve covered these restrictions more in depth in our guide How to Take Sildenafil for Erectile Dysfunction.

If you undergo hernia surgery, you may be instructed to take a painkiller to help with tenderness or swelling of the scrotum. Although there are typically no interactions between pain medication and ED medication, you should consult with your health care provider if you have any questions or concerns about taking Viagra after hernia surgery.

You can also check out our guide on the latest ED treatments if you’re interested in learning about other options.

Psychological Treatment

If your ED is caused by a psychological issue — like depression or sexual performance anxiety — there are treatment options that can help you work through whatever is going on.

These treatment options include counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, couples therapy or sex therapy. Psychotherapy can generally involve exploring the mental and emotional factors that contribute to your ED and learning to change those negative patterns of thought.

You can take part in counseling locally or you can connect with a mental healthcare provider from the comfort and privacy of your home with our online therapy services.

Prevention

You can prevent erectile dysfunction by making some lifestyle changes. Lifestyle habits such as increased physical activity, eating a healthy diet and quitting smoking have all been found to help with erectile dysfunction prevention.

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Hernias and Erectile Dysfunction

While having a hernia can certainly cause pain or discomfort (especially if left untreated), there’s not much evidence that a hernia causes erectile dysfunction. 

You might experience pain or discomfort after hernia repair surgery that leads to sexual dysfunction, but erectile dysfunction is a bit of a stretch.

ED can be caused by many things — both physical and mental.

That said, here are ways to treat both a hernia and erectile dysfunction. They may include things like surgery, medication, therapy or a combination of them. 

Either way, your first step should be contacting your healthcare provider and telling them what’s going on. They’ll be able to take a closer look at the symptoms you’re experiencing and help you find the treatment you need.

18 Sources

Hims & Hers has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references.

1. Hernia: Types, Treatments, Symptoms, Causes & Prevention. (2018, September 27). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15757-hernia
2. Hernia. (2017, May 31). MedlinePlus. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/hernia.html
3. Adrales, G., & Lynn, G. (n.d.). How to Tell If You Have a Hernia. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/how-to-tell-if-you-have-a-hernia
4. Hernia Surgical Mesh Implants. (2018, February 4). FDA. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/implants-and-prosthetics/hernia-surgical-mesh-implants
5. Bjurstrom, M. F., Nicol, A. L., Amid, P. K., & Chen, D. C. (2014). Pain control following inguinal herniorrhaphy: current perspectives. Journal of pain research, 7, 277–290. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4045265/
6. Definition & Facts for Erectile Dysfunction NIDDK. (n.d.). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/erectile-dysfunction/definition-facts
7. Zieren, J. , Menenakos, C., Paul, M., & Müller, J. M. (2005, January 17). Sexual function before and after mesh repair of inguinal hernia. International Journal of Urology, 12(1), 35-38. Retrieved from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1442-2042.2004.00983.x
8. Ssentongo, A. E., Kwon, E. G., Zhou, S., Ssentongo, P., & Soybel, D. I. (2020). Pain and Dysfunction with Sexual Activity after Inguinal Hernia Repair: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of the American College of Surgeons, 230(2), 237–250.e7. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31733327/
9. How to Relieve Pain After Hernia Repair. (2019, July 15). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-you-can-get-relief-from-groin-pain-after-hernia-repair/
10. Sönmez, M. G., Sonbahar, B. Ç., Bora, G., Özalp, N., & Kara, C. (2016). Does inguinal hernia repair have an effect on sexual functions?. Central European journal of urology, 69(2), 212–216. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4986302/
11. Inguinal Hernia Repair Surgery Patient Information from SAGES – Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. (n.d.). SAGES. Retrieved from https://www.sages.org/publications/patient-information/inguinal-hernia-repair-surgery-patient-information-from-sages//
12. Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Surgery Care Instructions Comprehensive Hernia Center University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center Cleveland, OH. (n.d.). University Hospitals. Retrieved from https://www.uhhospitals.org/services/surgery-services/conditions-and-treatments/hernia-surgery/patient-resources/postoperative-instructions/groin-inguinal-hernias/laparoscopic-inguinal-hernia-surgery-care-instructions
13. Tuma F, Lopez RA, Varacallo M. Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Inguinal Region (Inguinal Canal) Updated 2021 Jul 26. In: StatPearls Internet. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470204/
14. Inguinal Hernia. (n.d.). Johns Hopkins Medicine. Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/hernias/inguinal-hernia
15. Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction NIDDK. (n.d.). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/erectile-dysfunction/treatment
16. Viagra (sildenafil citrate) tablets. (2007, October). Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2007/020895s027lbl.pdf
17. Ibuprofen / oxycodone and Viagra Interactions. (n.d.). Drugs.com. Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/ibuprofen-oxycodone-with-viagra-1311-0-2061-1352.html
18. Maiorino, M. I., Bellastella, G., & Esposito, K. (2015). Lifestyle modifications and erectile dysfunction: what can be expected?. Asian journal of andrology, 17(1), 5–10. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4291878/

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here.

Violation of potency in osteochondrosis and intervertebral hernia in St. Petersburg

Impotence (erectile dysfunction) – causes, symptoms, signs, age, diagnosis, treatment, prevention

Causes

Symptoms

Complications

Diagnosis

Treatment

Prognosis and prevention

Impotence is a form of erectile dysfunction in which a man has no erection at all.

Some time ago it was believed that up to 90% of all disorders are associated with psychogenic factors. New studies have shown that in most cases, the inability to perform a full-fledged sexual intercourse is due to various organic diseases, and only a small part of them is due to a psychogenic factor. Some causes of the disease can be eliminated, and some are so neglected that no treatment can return a person to the possibility of a normal erection.

Male impotence is a term that is considered obsolete. In modern medical literature, it is used very rarely. He was replaced by a new word – erectile dysfunction, and impotence will be the most severe manifestation of this pathology. According to statistics, this disorder affects 15 million men worldwide, whose age has passed over 40 years.

Causes and triggers of impotence

Finding the causes of impotence is quite difficult. It is noted that this type of erectile dysfunction often occurs in patients who suffer from stomach ulcers and angina pectoris, since all these diseases can appear due to traumatic effects on the human psyche.

Other causes may include:

• injuries of the pelvis and spine;
• degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the spine and spinal cord;
• disorders in the hypothalamic-pituitary system;
• diseases of the liver and kidneys;
• bowel disease;
• vascular disorders;
• smoking;
• drug use;
• alcoholism.

Psychogenic impotence can develop at any age and be permanent or temporary. The main reason is mental or physical overwork. Neurogenic develops against the background of injuries and diseases of the brain or spinal cord. Arteriogenic occurs due to violations of the patency of blood vessels, which happens against the background of atherosclerosis. Hormonal is associated with diabetes and other diseases that have a negative impact on the hormonal background.

As for prostatitis, it does not cause impotence, but it can significantly aggravate the course of the disease.

Symptoms of impotence

There is no consensus on the age at which impotence most often occurs. It can appear in young men, and in those who have reached middle age, and in the elderly. Symptoms of psychogenic and organic impotence are somewhat different.

Psychogenic develops absolutely suddenly, appears from time to time and everything depends on the specific situation. The main reason is stress or another mental disorder. An erection that appears at night or in the morning is preserved. Also, during intercourse, the normal tension of the penis is maintained. During masturbation, no visible disturbances occur.

Organic impotence develops gradually. It progresses, although it happens slowly, and persists throughout life if not treated. The main reason is a disease of the internal organs or the intake of certain drugs that adversely affect erection. A man does not have a night or morning erection, moreover, it can completely disappear during intercourse. Masturbation cannot change the existing situation in any way.

Additional signs of impotence may look like this:

• lack of sexual desire;
• general weakness and fatigue;
• the presence of additional symptoms depending on the affected organ;
• increased body temperature;
• premature ejaculation;
• sexual intercourse is performed no more than once a week, and sometimes even less often.

Many are interested in the question – at what age does impotence develop. In young men, its main cause is diseases of the pelvic organs and back injuries, which lead to disability. This can happen at any age. In men after 40 years, organic diseases become the main causes.

If erection problems occur only occasionally and under certain circumstances, for example, during severe fatigue or during illness, this cannot be considered the beginning of the development of impotence. It is important to pay attention to such a fact as the presence of a spontaneous morning erection. If it is, then the man should not have any fears.

It is also noted that in men over the age of 40, the first symptoms of erectile dysfunction occur 5, maximum 7 years before the development of a heart attack or stroke.

Complications of impotence

The inability to have a full-fledged sexual intercourse leads to a violation of normal family relations, which often becomes the reason for divorce. Men with such difficulties may also have problems in relationships with the opposite sex, with the conception of a child. All this significantly reduces self-esteem and leads to depression, neurosis, aggressiveness. In severe cases, a person runs the risk of committing suicide.

The general health of a person is also significantly deteriorating. Constant stress reduces the defenses, which causes the development of all kinds of diseases. Against this background, gastritis, ulcers, coronary artery disease, angina pectoris, bronchitis and pneumonia often develop, and these diseases further inhibit potency, making a person completely unable to have a full-fledged sexual intercourse.

Impotence diagnostics

The treatment and diagnosis of impotence is carried out by a urologist or an andrologist. However, to make an accurate diagnosis and find out the causes of erectile dysfunction, consultations with other doctors are often required – a cardiologist, gastroenterologist, oncologist, neuropathologist, neurosurgeon.

Diagnosis of impotence begins with a questioning of the patient, taking an anamnesis and his complaints. The doctor can measure pressure and temperature, examine the penis and palpate it. If necessary, tests are prescribed – blood, urine, secretion of the sex glands, hormones. A procedure for the presence of latent infections is also required. In the diagnosis, ultrasound, urethrography, ureteroscopy can be used. Help in identifying the causes of diseases CT, MRI and radiography. They can show the doctor where the pathological areas are, whether there are diseases of the brain or spinal cord, what condition the glands are in.

It is important to see a doctor as soon as possible, and not wait until impotence begins to affect life too negatively. At the initial stage of his development and with a good diagnosis, a man can return to his usual way of life again without experiencing problems during intercourse.

Treatment of impotence

Treatment begins with identifying and eliminating the causes that caused this unpleasant phenomenon.

Today, all impotence remedies used can be divided into several groups:

• etiotropic, which cope with the cause of the disease;
• pathogenetic, affecting the immediate cause of the disease;
• symptomatic, allowing to eliminate symptoms;
• immunostimulating.

Impotence pills can only be prescribed by a doctor. On his advice, you can buy Trazodone, Trimipramine, Cialis, Levitra, Viagra in a pharmacy. But not always a cure for impotence is able to cope with the problem, especially if the pathology is caused by a psychological factor. Therefore, it is important to connect sessions with a psychotherapist to treatment.

If conservative therapy fails, extreme erectile dysfunction should be treated surgically. Extracavernous penile prosthesis is one of the ways to correct the situation. However, due to technical difficulties, this type of operation is rarely performed.

Intracavernous penile prosthesis is a method that helps to achieve imitation of an erection for the last 20 years. But the choice of one or another method of treatment always remains with the doctor.

Prognosis and prevention of impotence

Without proper and timely treatment, the prognosis will always be unfavorable. As a prevention of impotence, it is recommended to avoid sexually transmitted diseases and diseases of the urinary system, hypothermia, walk more often, swim and run, stop smoking and drinking alcohol.

Nutrition should be balanced and appropriate for age, and after 50 years, blood pressure levels should be checked every month and cholesterol should be tested every 6 months.

Sleep should be at least 8 hours a day, and exercises should be done every day to improve blood circulation.

The author of the article:

Zavalishin Evgeniy Vitalievich

urologist, specialist in ultrasound of the genitourinary system

work experience 6 years

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