Treat impotence with an exercise high

Impotence. We see commercials daily, from television to billboards, advertising products that will cure erectile dysfunction and improve any man’s sex life. Pills and pumps certainly help to overcome the problem. What about the underlying cause though? Is it wise to treat the symptom but not the disease?

Traditionally, doctors have attributed impotence to performance anxiety, depression, or other psychological problems. Comprehensive research has corrected that assumption. As much as 90% of male impotence is now known to be the result of a physical problem.

Here is a short list of causes of male impotence:

• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Vascular disease
• Hormonal changes

Depression and anxiety belong on this list as well; fortunately, they can also be easily resolved with the “exercise high” method.

Impotence is a very strong indicator of cardiovascular disease. High blood pressure and poor circulation present much more potential damage to one’s health than an inability to sustain an erection. If you are experiencing ED, make your doctor is aware of it and be sure to have a thorough heart heath checkup.

Where does the term priapism come from? The Greek god Priapus was famous for his disproportionately large and permanent erection – and for his impotence.

One risk is priapism, which is not only painful but potentially disastrous. Blood may clot in the penis due to lack of circulation, and blood vessels may become damaged - leading to further impotence. In severe cases, priapism can lead to gangrene which requires a penectomy.

Other side effects are headache, indigestion, nasal congestion, urinary tract infections, vision changes, diarrhea, dizziness, rash, respiratory tract infections, back pain, flu syndrome and arthralgia. That is quite a list.

Men are told avoid ED pills if they take nitrates, but consider this: it is not uncommon for men to suffer a heart attack or stroke due to over-exertion during sex. So even if you are not taking nitrates, what is the consequence if they are administered to you during an emergency?

By fighting impotence with exercise instead of pills, you are killing two birds with one stone. Improving your cardiovascular fitness will boost your sex life while eliminating the conditions that make ED medication dangerous for you in the first place.

Sexual performance problems are devastating. Self esteem and confidence drop while pressure and anxiety rise. It is a cycle of misery.

Simple exercise puts a stop to the cycle. Depression and stress are eased with a solid cardio workout, and as your body gets stronger and more fit, your confidence swells. A healthy body leads to a healthy mind and a healthy sex life.

A Harvard Health Professionals study concluded that men who exercise 30 to 45 minutes per day, or for a total of 3-5 hours a week, have a full 30% less risk of developing impotency.

Take a minute to think about your diet too. Eat vegetables, fruits and nuts that are high in fiber and will give your body a nice energy boost. These types of natural foods improve and protect your overall health.

When a workout is done correctly, you won’t feel strained and exhausted when you are finished. Instead you’ll feel energized, strong, and elated. This is what is called the exercise high, or runner’s high. It is a euphoric feeling that lasts for hours after your workout. You feel incredibly strong, and in complete control.

What causes the runner’s high? Endorphins. They are chemically related to morphine, which is why the are called the body’s natural pain killer. 

That’s not to say you need to exercise to the point of pain to release the pain killers. Gentle, steady exercise affects the composition of your blood. As you work out, the level of fatty acids in your blood increases, which triggers a flood of endorphins.

In fact, if you do exercise to the point of strain, pain and exhaustion, the endorphins actually shut themselves off. This is possibly a survival mechanism; you can’t very well out run a charging grizzly bear if you’re floating along on an endorphin high.

It’s the slow, moderately intense workout that triggers the exercise high. For best results, do a 20 to 30 minute session at about 75% of your maximum. It won’t work if you don’t get that blood pumping, but if you strain too hard the endorphins magically disappear. You can also get an exercise high by workout out for a longer duration but at a low intensity. A quick sprint type workout will not get you the result.

Develop a regular workout week schedule. As you become more fit, the runner’s high will get more intense. Maintain a regular exercise routine.

At the gym, look for aerobic and cardio exercises. You want your heart pumping, and your blood flowing. Breathing should be labored, but if you're gasping for breath you are working too hard.

If you choose an exercise that is high impact, or is too difficult, you won’t be able to sustain it long enough. Instead, pick something that is low impact yet offers resistance. Here are the best candidates:

• treadmill
• elliptical machine
• rowing machine
• step aerobics
• swimming

Use these easy exercises at the gym, at a park, or at home:

• jumping rope
• body weight routines
• jogging or walking at a fast pace
• playing basketball, handball or tennis

You can also find dozens of aerobic workout DVDs; pick one that fits your interest and skill level.

When you exercise correctly and experience the runner’s high, you are improving your body and mind both. Stress is erased. Strength and confidence soars. Anxiety disappears.

Combine this with a strong healthy heart, lowered blood pressure and excellent circulation, and you have yourself a safe and natural treatment for impotency.

Most importantly, unlike the pills and pumps, the “exercise high” method addresses the underlying causes of male impotency. You are improving your total health as well as your sexual health.

© 2010 wyanjen at HubPages

Treat impotence with an exercise high