Difference Between Impotence and Infertility

Impotence is known as erectile dysfunction (ED). In ED men find it difficult to get and maintain an erection for a long time. This can make sex difficult or impossible.

According to a report, 1 out of 10 men may have to face impotence. Although impotence can be seen in men of any age, older men have to face it more.

It is necessary for the nervous system, muscles, and blood vessels to work together to maintain an erection in men. In such a situation, when there is a problem in any one of these systems, then men may have trouble getting an erection.

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The reasons for impotence can be as follows -

• If there are problems related to blood vessels, a person may have difficulty getting an erection.
• Heart diseases like high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, etc. can also cause impotence.
• Erectile dysfunction can also occur due to stress, depression, or any other mood disorder.
• Diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol can cause impotence in any man.
• There can be a problem in making an erection even after taking antidepressants, antihistamines, or medicines that lower blood pressure.
• Damage to nerves and obesity can lead to impotence.
• Consuming tobacco, alcohol or drugs can also cause impotence.
• Surgery or radiation for the treatment of prostate cancer or an enlarged prostate can cause impotence.

(Read More - Is Erectile Dysfunction Curable)

If there is a problem in maintaining an erection, then in this situation the doctor may suggest tests for diabetes mellitus, heart disease, or hormonal problems. Apart from this, tests of testosterone level, HbA1c, etc. can also be done. ED is treated only after the result of the test, but initially, the doctor can make lifestyle changes -

Like impotence, due to infertility, a man is also unable to produce a child. Infertility is a condition in which men find it difficult to produce sperm. It has been told in a study that men have to face infertility more than women.

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Nowadays most men are facing infertility. There can be many reasons for infertility, which are mentioned below -

• Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation can cause infertility.
• Apart from this, men may also have to face infertility in diabetes.
• Enlarged veins in the testicles can also push men into infertility.
• Consuming alcohol, smoking or other drugs can also cause infertility.
• Using certain drugs like steroids can reduce fertility.
• Hereditary conditions like cystic fibrosis can cause infertility.
• Symptoms of infertility can be seen after injury or surgery in the testicles or other organs of the reproductive system.
• Sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV or chlamydia can reduce male fertility.

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The treatment of infertility in men depends on its causes. Therefore, before treating infertility in men, the doctor conducts some important tests -

• Blood test to check hormone levels
• Genetic test
• Analysis of semen (to check sperm count and motility)
• Ultrasound or biopsy of the testicle

There are many options to treat infertility in men -

• Hormone replacement therapy
• Surgery to correct a testicle problem
• Treating the infection or disease causing infertility

When infertility in men is not treated properly, then in vitro fertilization or artificial insemination is advised for the woman to conceive. In this, the sperm is directly injected into the cervix or uterus.

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Both impotence and infertility are different conditions. Impotence occurs only in men, whereas infertility can be seen in both men and women. The reasons for both of these are also different and affect men in different ways. If a man is not able to make his partner pregnant even after all the efforts, then he should contact the doctor in this regard.

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