Impotence, or erectile dysfunction, is a condition wherein a man is unable to get or maintain an erection during a typical sexual encounter. The prevalence of impotence increases with age, affecting 39 percent of 40 year olds and increasing to 67 percent in 70 year olds, according to statistics published by Cornell University. For those suffering from impotence, several successful treatment options exist.
Finding the Cause
Treating erectile dysfunction starts with finding the cause of the condition. Sometimes an underlying condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, can cause impotence. In those cases, treating the underlying conditions may control the ED. In other men, damage to the reproductive system causes the condition. Hormonal fluctuations, psychological problems and aging also can be causes.
Medications
Impotence caused by aging or another underlying condition often responds well to medication. Viagra, Cialis and Levitra are the three most commonly prescribed ED treatments. While each contains its own distinctive active ingredients, all work by blocking the PDE-5 enzyme. This action relaxes the smooth muscles in the penis and allows more blood to flow into the organ. More blood flow makes it possible for most men with ED to achieve and maintain an erection.
Not all patients can take these medications. According to a health report published by "The New York Times," men taking nitrates for chest pain or taking certain blood pressure and BPH medications should not take PDE-5 inhibitors. High or low blood pressure, heart conditions, retinitis pigmentosa or recent history of stroke also prevent men from taking Viagra, Cialis or Levitra. According to the Mayo Clinic, some patients who cannot take PDE-5 inhibitors may be able to treat their ED with drugs that are injected into the penis or administered via a suppository.
Treatments for Medication Resistant Impotence
The Mayo Clinic estimates that between 5 percent and 8 percent of men with impotence cannot be treated successfully with medication. For many of these men, mechanical devices, such as a vacuum, can artificially force blood into the penis to create an erection. The erection is maintained using a tension ring at the base of the penis. A penile implant, a small rod or inflatable device surgically placed inside the penis, gives men with medication-resistant ED yet another option for achieving an erection.
Men who have erectile difficulties because of emotional or psychological conditions often respond to psychological counseling. Once they have worked through the emotional barriers keeping them from achieving an erection, ED disappears. The Mayo Clinic advises ED patients to seek a counselor with experience dealing with men with sexual problems.
In rare cases, erectile dysfunction is caused by damage or blockage in the blood vessels that supply blood to the penis. This damage typically occurs after injury to the pelvis or penis. Vascular surgery to repair the damage may help this type of impotence.
Tags: blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, Mayo Clinic, achieving erection, blood flow
