Impotence Problems - Not any more with Viagra - Your sexual life is going to change - quickly effects

What is Impotence?

Impotence is defined as the consistent inability to achieve and maintain an erection sufficiently to permit satisfactory sexual intercourse. Many men experience erectile failure one or more times during their adult lives (usually due to anger, Stress or drinking) but this clears up quickly and no treatment is needed

What is the difference between Impotence and erectile dysfunction?

Nothing except the more modern politically correct term is erectile dysfunction, especially in the US. The rest of the world, especially Europe and Asia still use the term Impotence to describe this condition.

Is Impotence a disease?

No, it is usually more of a symptom or side effect of something else. That "something else" can be quite serious, even life threatening in some cases, so the cause of Impotence needs to be determined and corrected if possible. This obviously means you should let your family doctor know if you are one experiencing erectile problems. So even if you have tried some initial treatments without success, talk to your doctor about other treatment possibilities. This is often a good time for referral to an Impotence specialist, usually a urologist.

Is Impotence treatable?

Yes, often the underlying cause can be determined with a few simple tests and in some cases corrected. Even if the cause is not correctable (i.e. high blood pressure, prostate cancer, atherosclerosis, diabetes, etc) nearly every man can have his erectile dysfunction treated and satisfactory erections restored.

Treatments vary depending on the type of Impotence encountered. For patients with psychological Impotence (10-15% of total) the most common and successful treatment is sexual or psychological counselling. This is especially effective if the patient has a cooperative partner willing to attend counselling with him. In men with physical or medical Impotence(85-90%), the most common and successful treatment in order of popularity are oral drugs, penile injection, vacuum devices and penile implants.

How common is Impotence?

Unfortunately, very common. A recent study done in Massachusetts showed that 52% of men between ages 40-70 had some degree of erectile difficulty. It is estimated that between 20 and 30 million men in the US have Impotence, only a small percentage of them have yet to seek or receive treatment.

What about my partner?

Impotence or erectile dysfunction is not just a man's problem. It's a "couple's disorder." Involving your partner and discussing how this is affecting both of you is very important and often leads to better communication and understanding between couples and certainly to easier solutions.

Isn't most Impotence an emotional or psychological problem?

Not really. While it is true that problems with erections can cause great psychological stress for the man and the partner of the man who has it, the underlying cause of the problem in up to 90% of cases is a physical or medical one, like diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure.

What kinds of medical problems cause Impotence?

Things like hypertension or high blood pressure, coronary artery or heart disease, "hardening of the arteries" (arteriosclerosis), hyperlipidemia, elevated cholesterol levels, diabetes, stroke, neurologic problems like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injury, are the most common causes. Surgery or radiation to correct cancer on the pelvic area (colon, bladder, prostate) can cause Impotence. Also many medications, especially blood pressure medications and anti-psychotic drugs, can cause erectile dysfunction or Impotence as a side effect.

What should I do if I want help or need information?

Talk to your family doctor or specialist about your problem. You can also access valuable information on this website by emailing your questions to our Impotence expert- just follow the prompts. You can also set up a telephone appointment with our physician (urologist) who is a well-known specialist in the field of erectile dysfunction by the following the prompts. He would be glad to discuss your problem with you and help you find a satisfactory solution.

If I take Viagra or some other treatment for Impotence will my erection return to normal?

That depends on the severity of the cause of your Impotence. In situations where the underlying medical problem is relatively minor, a few successes often lead to added sexual confidence and sometimes to return of "normal function" with no further treatment being necessary.

I am only 22 years old and am sexually inexperienced. Recently I am having difficulty keeping my erection during intercourse with my girlfriend. Do I have Impotence?

You are certainly are having erectile difficulties but unless you have one or more of the previously mentioned underlying medical conditions, your erectile difficulties are probably psychological and only temporary. Many men experience erectile failure on a temporary basis from time to time (often due to stress, monetary concerns, excessive alcohol intake, etc.) but these failures usually resolve themselves with a little time and patience. Having an understanding, non-demanding partner with whom you can talk frankly is a big help. If you continue to experience failure on a consistent basis, you should see your physician for a complete medical exam.

What treatments are available for diabetics?

I am a 51 yr old diabetic and take insulin, can my Impotence be treated?
Yes, nearly all diabetics can be successfuly treated for Impotence. Treatment is easier and more successful if you watch you diet, exercise and keep your blood sugar under control. Many (57%) diabetics can be successfuly treated with oral medications. Others can be treated with vacuum therapy and some with penile injections. Penile implant surgery is also a choice for the diabetic and his partner.