Advice from our doctor on Erectile Dysfunction or Impotence
Most men will experience Erectile Dysfunction at least once in their adult life, so it's important to know that an occasional episode is not a diagnosis for on-going erectile dysfunction. However, it is important to seek impotence help should it occur.
In most cases, isolated episodes are more likely to be due to fatigue, stress or an over-indulgence in alcohol than an underlying physical cause. However, chronic impotence usually has a physical basis and requires medical attention. ED can be a red flag that something's not right with the body's system and an effective indicator of conditions such as Diabetes. Conditions such as these do not respond well to neglect so it is better to check them out sooner rather than later.
What is impotence (erectile dysfunction)?
Erectile dysfunction is the term now used to describe impotence. It refers to a condition in which there is a persistent or frequently occurring inability to attain or maintain an erection sufficient to complete sexual intercourse. It is an important problem.
How common is impotence?
The problem is common and affects at least one in every ten men. This means that there are about 2.3 million men in the U K suffering from this condition. The incidence increases with age, but it is not an inevitable consequence of ageing.
What causes impotence?
Few men go through life without experiencing occasional failure to attain or maintain an erection. This usually results from some form of stress or excessive alcohol consumption. Certain disorders such as multiple sclerosis, spinal injury or cerebro-vascular accidents (strokes) may lead to a more permanent condition. Worrying about it may create a "fear of failure" problem which decreases sexual arousal and makes the situation worse. Until about twenty years ago impotence was considered to be due almost entirely to psychological factors. We now know that physical conditions are present in 70% of sufferers. The majority of men experience a combination of psychological and physical causes. Vasectomy has not been associated with a risk of impotence.
- Physical causes often result in a gradual onset. The causes include:
hormone abnormalities, diabetes, alcoholism, heavy smoking, high
cholesterol, blocked blood flow to the penis, damage to nerves associated
with the penis, chronic kidney or liver failure.
- Psychological causes can sometimes be traced to a triggering factor such as marital conflict. Other reasons might be depression, sexual boredom, low self-esteem.
What treatments are available?
In the first instance it is necessary to consult a doctor to identify a possible cause and for a health check. The doctor may examine you, organise some tests and may refer you to a specialist if appropriate. The treatments available are:
- Sildenafil (Viagra) This is taken orally and is effective in 70% of cases. It works by making
the body more sensitive to sexual stimulation.
- Transurethral pellet .e.g. alprostadil (Muse)
This is a small pellet that is inserted into the penis through its opening
(urethra). It releases a substance that then gives you an erection.
- Injection A drug is injected directly into the penis by a needle.
- Vacuum device Simple and easy vacuum devices are effective. They have one drawback - they
give a cold erection
. - Sex Therapy Even if treatments are ineffective it is still possible to continue having a loving sex life without an erect penis. A therapist may be able to work through your problem with you and your partner.
Useful sources of information:
The Impotence Association, PO Box 10296, London SW17 9WH. Telephone: 020 8767 7791. 24-hour Helpline: 0870 129 0100 (calls charged at national rate).
Website: http://www.impotence.org.uk
Men's Health Matters, 100 Blythe Road, London W14 0BH. Telephone: 020 8994
9874 (Tuesday/Thursday 6.00 - 9.00pm)
SPOD (Sexual and Personal Relationships of People with a Disability), 286 Camden Road, London N7. Telephone: 020 7607 8851 (Monday to Friday, 10.00am to 4.00pm)
