What is Impotence?

Impotence is classified as the inability to achieve or sustain an erection to complete sexual intercourse or sexual activity with a partner. Roughly 2.3 million men are affected by impotence in the UK and at least 1 in 10 men will suffer from this sexual disorder in their lifetime. Impotence is seen as taboo for many sufferers which is why so many men go years without seeking treatment. This is partly due to the sufferer’s sense of embarrassment, and the lack of awareness of available impotence treatments.

It was once thought that this sexual disorder was caused by psychological factors. Now experts have proven that physical conditions are the cause of about 70% of all impotence cases. However, the majority of men with impotence can experience a combination of psychological and physical causes.

Men who suffer from physical-induced impotence often find that they gradually lose the ability to have an erection. There are a number of causes of physical-induced impotence, which include:

• Diabetes
• Hardening of the arteries
• Kidney disorders
• Multiple sclerosis or other neurological diseases
• High cholesterol
• Heavy smoking
• Alcoholism and drug abuse
• Pelvic surgery

Some men who suffer from impotence can still achieve an erection, albeit inconsistently. This is often the result of psychological causes that may include:

• Routine stress and anxiety
• Relationship problems
• Worry over poor sexual satisfaction
• Depression
• Sexual boredom
• Performance anxiety
• Unresolved sexual orientation

As studies continue, there are more treatments being unveiled to suit the needs of men who suffer from impotence. Some of the available treatments are listed below:

Psychosexual therapy and counselling

If your problem is psychological, then counselling may be a more effective solution then any medical treatment. Therapy is a very successful method used in helping to re-establish sexual relationships, especially for couples who have not had sex for a long time.

Vacuum pumps

Vacuum pumps cannot treat impotence, but they can help you to enhance your sexual performance if your problem is not serious. These devices have a plastic cylinder and pump which, when used, will help blood to flow to the penis, making it easier to achieve an erection. A tension ring can be used to maintain the erection around the base of the penis once the pump is removed.

Injections

A doctor or nurse is required to demonstrate this treatment. A drug is directly injected into the shaft of the penis to achieve an erection, which usually follows within 15 minutes.

Viagra

This prescription drug treatment can be taken orally, 30-60 minutes before sexual activity. Its effects can last for up to 3-4 hours, although it will not work if the user is not sexually stimulated.

Cialis

This prescription drug treatment comes in a tablet which is taken from 30 minutes before sexual activity. Cialis lasts longer than other impotence treatments and can be effective for up to 36 hours.

Levitra

Like Viagra and Cialis, this tablet should be taken shortly before sexual activity. When sexually stimulated, Levitra can be effective for up to 12 hours. Levitra is usually recommended for older men with underlying health concerns.