Sunday 10 September 2017

Difference Between Impotence and Infertility

Many people get confused when it comes to the subject of impotence and infertility. Those who experience either of these are not entirely clear about what is the difference between the two sexual conditions.

Impotence, or Erectile Dysfunction (ED), is the inability to achieve and sustain an erection strong and long enough to achieve sexual satisfaction. On the other hand, infertility is the inability to achieve pregnancy, which is usually associated with low sperm count.

Being impotent does not mean you are infertile and infertility does not mean you are impotent. However, both these sexual conditions have a detrimental impact on your sexual health, intimate relationship and self-esteem.

Although these conditions are not the same, they are associated emotionally. The emotional element here is the stress, which can further aggravate these conditions. Let’s understand these sexual conditions and note the similarities and differences between them.

Impotence

Simply put, impotence is the inability to achieve and sustain an erection. Sexual arousal is a delicate combination of physical and emotional factors. Anything that affects the system will negatively influence arousal and performance.

Health conditions such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, heart disease and prolonged illness can cause ED. Psychological-based conditions such as depression and alcoholism often cause impotence. Stress is one of the major etiological factors that can bring down the level of testosterone, which can affect the ability to get an erection as well as the libido. Smoking is another common cause of ED, as it affects the blood circulation, which hampers the ability to get an erection.

Infertility

Low sperm count, or fewer sperm with normal morphology/motility, can lead to infertility. There are a few common causes that can give rise to this condition. Prolonged stress releases cortisol, adrenaline and other substances that can cause hormonal imbalances, affecting sperm production and motility.

Other causes associated with infertility may include obesity, smoking, alcoholism, or bad effects of certain medications. There could also be a genetic predisposition involved.

Treatments for impotence and infertility can be similar

Considering the potential causes of both these sexual conditions, similar protocols might help treat them. Let’s have a look at some of them:

 • Managing stress is the most important thing when it comes to treating impotence and infertility. One can manage stress with the help of psychological counselling and mediation. It is essential to create a balanced life.

 • Healthy diet is another most important thing to treat overcome these conditions. The Standard America Diet (SAD) has been found highly effective in treating infertility as well as many health problems.

  - Limit the intake of sugar

  - Avoid unhealthy fats and simple carbs

  - Opt for whole foods, vegetables and fruits

 • Physical activities on a regular basis can help restore erectile function and improve sperm count. Exercise lowers stress levels and boosts testosterone levels, which can help improve overall sexual health.

 • Limiting alcohol and quitting smoking can help prevent and treat several health conditions, including impotence and infertility.

Ageing is one of the common causes associated with both infertility and impotence. However, in many cases, lifestyle changes can greatly alleviate sexual problems for ageing men. Healthy lifestyle can make it possible to achieve sexual satisfaction and pregnancy even when you are into your senior years.

If you have any of these sexual dysfunctions, the first thing you need to do is check with your doctor. Both these conditions can be treated with lifestyle change and medical treatments.

Remember that impotence drugs such as Sildenafil Citrate, Tadalis, Tadalafil, Vardenafil and Avanafil are not effective in treating infertility. Men with infertility issue should see their doctor for appropriate treatment. Self-medication with any medicine is strictly prohibited.