Causes of impotence in athletes and treatment methods

Author: Sergey Yezhov - sports medicine physician.
2017-01-16

Physical and sexual performance are the primary indicators of male health. It so happens that sports load and sex share many similarities in terms of regulatory mechanisms. Both factors are limited by the coordinated work of the central nervous and endocrine systems.

The main male hormone, testosterone, is the key stimulator of muscle mass growth and, consequently, physical performance. It is responsible for the development of sexual organs, shapes behavioral responses typical of men (aggressiveness, resilience to stress), and increases libido (sexual attraction). Testosterone also determines fertility, meaning a man's ability to reproduce offspring by stimulating erection and spermatogenesis.

Causes of Impotence in Regular People

Various factors can influence the process of erection: the surrounding environment, the man's health condition, alcohol intoxication, attitude toward the partner, etc. The nervous system plays a significant role in regulation. It is the sexual arousal generated by the cerebral cortex that triggers an erection. Under the influence of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, nitric oxide is released, which relaxes the smooth muscles of the blood vessels in the penis, filling them with blood.

The main causes leading to sexual dysfunction in men.

Causes of Impotence in Athletes

The main causes of impotence in athletes.

1. Increased physical loads and the accompanying conditions (overtraining, psycho-emotional fatigue, disturbances in water-electrolyte balance).

2. Incorrect or insufficient recovery after the preparatory cycle.

3. Improper use of anabolic steroids (too long a course of administration, excessively high dosages of drugs, and lack of post-cycle therapy).

Prevention of erectile dysfunction in athletes:

1. Herbal preparations. Well-regarded are supplements containing extracts from plants such as:

• Chinese lemongrass,
• Leuzea,
• Ginseng,
• Rhodiola rosea,
• Daurskyephedra,
• Eleutherococcus.

These preparations have received many positive reviews among professional athletes and are used as testosterone stimulants as well as for enhancing athletic performance.

2. Bee products. Since ancient times, people have used bee bread, plant pollen, and royal jelly to enhance male potency.

3. Seafood: oysters, shrimp, squid, and roe from marine fish species. American researchers have proven that regular consumption of seafood helps maintain potency in older age.

4. Vitamin-mineral complexes. Especially alpha-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, and vitamin A precursors. It has been established that a deficiency of vitamin E in the diet can lead to a weakening of a man's sexual function, up to and including atrophy of the gonads. Zinc also plays an important role in male health. This trace element stimulates spermatogenesis, normalizes the function of the prostate gland, and regulates the levels of male sex hormones.

The most effective approach is considered to be combined schemes of taking several medications. Treating accompanying diseases and correcting physical and psycho-emotional stress is also crucial. All the means listed in this article are not on the list of prohibited substances and can be used by athletes to improve performance and accelerate recovery.