Impotence is Treatable
Only Shame Is Not Knowing Options
Approximately one in 10 men is plagued with chronic impotence. Still, many couples live with the condition in silence. The first step is to realize treatment is available. The second is to seek the help of a urologist.
Misconceptions About Impotence
One common misconception is that impotence is a psychological disorder. Although "performance anxiety" and "fear of failure" sometimes come into play, persistent psychological impotence is quite uncommon. The fact is a man cannot get an erection simply because he wants to.
What Causes Impotence?
Research indicates up to 80 percent of men who suffer from chronic impotence can trace its cause to their common physical or medical conditions. Some of these are:
Diabetes
Pelvic surgery or injury
Drug abuse
Hardening of the arteries
Parkinson’s Disease
Multiple Sclerosis
Liver and kidney problems
Smoking
High blood pressure and its medications
What Is Impotence?
Impotence is the inability to maintain an erection rigid and enduring enough for successful intercourse. Erection is the result of a complex process that delivers and traps blood in the penis in response to stimuli. Sexual, physiological excitement causes the brain, nerves, heart, blood vessels and hormones to produce a rapid increase in blood flow to the penis. When a man cannot get or sustain an erection from sexual excitement, impotence is most likely the problem.
Diagnosis
Your urologist will discuss the circumstances of your impotence and follow up with a physical exam to determine if the blood vessels, nerves and tissues of your penis work normally. Testing may include: blood tests, urine analysis, penile blood flow and nocturnal erection sleep monitoring.
Common Problem--Many Solutions
When impotence involves psychological problems, treatment goes beyond the urologist. Treatment for psychological impotence may include psychology, sex therapy or marriage counseling. Treatment for physically caused impotence depends on the specific diagnosis. Recommended treatment could be surgical or medical depending on the characteristics of your case. We take time to discuss your treatment options as well as the risk and benefits of each.
Viagra and other Erectile Dysfunction Medications
Among the most common treatments for impotence are oral prescription drugs such as Viagra, Cialis and Levitra. They affect the physical response to sexual stimulation by enhancing one of the chemicals the body releases into the penis during arousal, allowing increased blood flow to the penis.
Other Medications
Altering a prescription may remedy impotence induced by the side effects of some medications. Hormone replacement therapy also may be recommended if you have a deficiency.
Vacuum Erection Devices
This device is applied to the penis externally. It draws blood into the penis and keeps it there with a rubber constriction band at the base of the penis.
Muse Therapy or Injections
Your urologist will show you how to use these treatments. Muse therapy involves the delivery of a non-injection drug through a small pre-filled applicator inserted slightly into the urethra. The drug relaxes smooth muscles, which may result in rapid arterial inflow and penile rigidity within five to 10 minutes. With injections the patient administers a drug directly into the penis prior to intercourse to produce an erection.
Surgical Implants
Penile implant or prostheses require minimal manipulation to make the penis erect or relaxed. Implants are concealed within the body.
