Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) that lowers blood oxygen levels can lead to a wide range of life-threatening health problems in otherwise healthy individuals. However, OSA can also complicate body functions that some hold as near and dear as the rest of their health – their sexual performance.
If you suspect sleep apnea is affecting your performance in the bedroom, reach out to Babylon Dental Care to speak with one of our Babylon sleep apnea specialists today. Call us at (631) 983-6665 or contact us through our website for a consultation.
What Is Impotence and Who Does It Affect?
Despite sexual performance problems being common in both the male and female populations, impotence commonly refers to men. Health professionals use “impotence” interchangeably with the term “erectile dysfunction,” the inability of a man to maintain an erection for sexual intercourse.
Impotence is more than just a one-time issue. Men who are stressed, nervous, or under the influence of substances may, at one time or another, lack the ability to perform sexually. Impotence, as medical professionals generally use it, refers to the condition where a man has issues maintaining an erection on numerous occasions over a prolonged period.
Causes of Impotence
Impotence is a specific condition, but there is no gene or blood work test that doctors can use to diagnose it directly. Instead, doctors diagnose impotence based on the symptoms they can see.
The symptoms, however, might stem from various underlying issues. These include:
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Substance abuse
- Sleep disorders
- Cancer
- Low hormone levels
- Surgery injuries
- Stress
Male sexual performance relies on a healthy body, healthy mind, and healthy attitude. One or more of these issues can combine to cause ED in an individual while leaving another man unaffected. Impotence can also be a self-fulfilling prophecy, as embarrassment and frustration at the situation create negative emotions and stress that exacerbate the problem.
Symptoms Of Impotence
Many men do not usually realize that they have impotence right away. They might sometimes chalk up each instance of sexual performance affected by the condition to other causes and only acknowledge the severity of their situation when it continues over the long term. You might suffer from impotence if, over an extended period, you notice in yourself:
- Trouble getting an erection
- Difficulty maintaining an erection throughout a sexual experience
- Lower sexual drive
Even if you have issues maintaining an erection, you might be able to produce sperm and reach orgasm. Impotence only relates to the body’s ability to control erections.
Treating Impotence
Many men forgo treating their erectile dysfunction due to embarrassment, but they can obtain treatments that show impressive results without enduring much more than a simple physical exam.
Oral medications are widely available and work by increasing the blood flow to your penis. Instead of forcing the muscles or blood in your body to cause an erection, these medications only allow the opportunity for sexual arousal to cause an erection naturally.
Every man is different, and your doctor might require more tests before they can give you a diagnosis and treatment plan. Blood work and urine samples can help determine the cause of your impotence and whether or not certain treatments will be viable.
Sleep Apnea and Impotence
Scientists and medical professionals have not found a direct link between sleep apnea and impotence, but a review of published studies on the topic suggests that obstructive sleep apnea may be a risk factor for erectile dysfunction. Similar studies show us that the prevalence of impotence in OSA patients could be up to 35% higher than in the general male population.
Sleep apnea affects your body’s ability to rest fully throughout the night. Health professionals have long known that sleeping throughout the night for sufficient time gives your body the best chance at combatting any and all health conditions, including impotence. Lack of sleep can lead to lower mental capacity, slower reactions, and decreased efficiency of bodily functions.
It is no surprise that a lack of sleep can cause erectile dysfunction. Sexual performance for many men is just as emotional and mental as it is physical. Treating your sleep apnea and beginning to sleep soundly through the night may have unexpected health benefits.
Diagnosing and Treating Sleep Apnea
If you suffer from sexual performance issues and erectile dysfunction, sleep apnea may be the cause. After meeting our specialists, we can provide you with a simple take-home device to fill us in on various aspects of your sleep schedule and quality. From this test, we can learn the following:
- Your snoring habits
- How long you spend in each stage of sleep
- The frequency of abnormal breathing events
- The amount of oxygen present in your blood
If your test gives us a good indication that you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, we can begin discussing potential treatments for your condition.
Most people know about CPAP machines. Big, bulky, and loud, they are not the preferred option of many. Our sleep apnea specialists can recommend less invasive treatments like oral implant devices that train your jaw and teeth to stay in positions more conducive to airflow.
Contact a Babylon Sleep Apnea Dental Care Provider Today
Babylon Dental Care, founded by Dr. Cliff Brown and assistant Tory Sheehan, opened its doors to patients in 1983. We believe in treating people like family, and this philosophy applies to all areas of our practice. This has led to our success and our patients’ satisfaction over the years.
Sleep apnea can affect every part of your body, from essential organ systems to sexual performance. For nearly four decades, Babylon Dental Care has helped residents of West Babylon and Patchogue overcome their sleep apnea, and we want to do the same for you.
The benefits of sleep apnea treatment can be surprising. If you suspect that your erectile dysfunction and sexual performance problems are caused by sleep apnea, contact us today at (631) 983-6665 for a consultation with our experienced team members.
