Erectile dysfunction (ED) which is also called male impotence, means having a consistent problem in getting and keeping erection which is sufficient to complete a sexual intercourse.
Some men have temporary erection problem, but that never means they are suffering from erectile dysfunction. A problem can be termed as erectile dysfunction if it happens regularly. This condition may not persist every time a man wants to indulge in sex, but does occur repeatedly and over a period of time.
ED may come in the way of the man's spouse getting pregnant. Before thinking about getting pregnant, even though one is undergoing infertility treatment, few basics steps must be followed to take care of body and this applies to both, men as well as women.
Take Your Vitamins: Take a daily multivitamin which acts an insurance against loss of or lack of vital nutritional elements, vitamins and minerals. Men and women are supposed to have best chemical balances when trying to conceive. Many forms of infertilities can be treated with vitamin therapy.
Get Exercise: Exercises can help one in a number of ways. They can ensure that the body remains healthy and is ever ready for the potential stress of infertility treatments and pregnancy. Exercise also ensures that men and women are at their optimal weight.
Obesity can also lead to fertility problems or a lack of fertility. Exercise is also a great form of relieving stress. Infertility treatments or infertility work-up can be very stressful. By use of regular exercise, one can help let off some of the stress. Stress can cause negative effect on fertility or infertility treatments.
Stress can also affect chances of getting pregnant. Number of things can create stress viz. lifestyle changes, illness, deaths, injuries, or even personal conflicts. Stress can affect chances of getting pregnant as sexual desire and sexual performance decreases. Stress also can cause erectile dysfunction in men and also lead to decreased sex drive in men and women
Have a Physical Exam: While undergoing treatment for erectile dysfunction, one seeks consultation from reproductive endocrinologist. But regular check up by family doctor also should be continued for at least on a yearly basis. Reports and test results submitted by reproductive endocrinologist should also be shown to family doctor. This will help couple find any other issues related outside of their reproductive system.
Avoid drinking: If the man is undergoing treatment for erectile dysfunction and his partner is trying to get pregnant, both must give up alcohol as it is harmful for both and for the unborn child as alcohol makes conception difficult.
Give up smoking and other drugs: Smoking during erectile dysfunction treatment and pregnancy can cause low fertility and as it is a well known carcinogen, it leads to cancer in long term. Smoking also results in less healthy pregnancies. Even smoking marijuana lowers fertility rates. |
