Basic background and information about Impotence

Impotence



Impotence is the inability to maintain an erection of the penis, firm enough to achieve satisfactory sexual intercourse.
Most sufferers don't discuss or admit to it, and so it is difficult to know exactly how many men are affected. At least 5% of 40 yr olds are impotent and this increases to over 25% in the over 65's.
50% of cases are caused by medical problems such as depression, anxiety, stress, overwork, thyroid disease, diabetes, anaemia, multiple sclerosis, arterial disease, testicular failure and of course ageing!
Others are caused by drugs such as:
  • tablets for high blood pressure eg methyldopa, propanolol and certain `water tablets' thiazides and spironolactone
  • anti depressants and anti schizophrenia drugs
  • the peptic ulcer medication cimetidine
  • anti epilepsy drugs
  • alcohol
  • tobacco

The remaining cases are caused by psychological problems eg. once loss of an erection occurs during love making, fear of it recurring produces such anxiety that impotence occurs again.
Referral to a specialist in Genito Urinary Medicine is recommended. After removing any possible causes, treatments include:
  • self injecting of vasodilator drugs into the shaft of the penis, these open up the blood vessels
  • vacuum devices that fit over the penis and draw blood into the penis thus producing an erection
  • penile implants or splints, which make the penis rigid enough for intercourse to take place
  • inflatable devices which cause an erection by pumping fluid from a small reservoir in the scrotum, into the penile shaft

Over 50% of psychocological cases problems can be helped by counselling and sex therapy. The latest and most acceptable treatments include:
  • `MUSE', medicated urethral system for erection, which is a tiny pellet when inserted into the urethra produces an erection within 5 10 minutes and lasting for 30 to 60 minutes. This is now available on NHS prescription.
  • `Viagra', a tablet which produces an erection by improving circulation to the penis. It has become the fastest selling drug ever in the history of medicine which tells you the real size of the problem of impotence!!
  • Cialis, another pill, also operates in the same way.



IMPORTANT NOTICE : This content is from the Dr Chris Steele personal archive and is provided for convenience only. Information contained here may no longer agree with the most up to date medical advice. Please check with a medical professional before taking any action.

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