An Overview of Impotence

Impotence is a wide-ranging problem that can be caused by both emotional and physical difficulties. On the physical side, impotence can be caused by circulatory problems, nervous system disorders, and diabetes. Cigarette smoking, keeping a poor diet, and emotional stress, may exacerbate problems of sexual impotence.

Another cause of impotence that may be at the root of erectile dysfunction disorders is related to prescription medications. Several medications have been linked to problems of sexual impotence, or may interfere with the patient's overall sexual health.

Most people are surprised to learn that roughly half of all erectile dysfunction disorders are caused by non-physical factors. Most cases of impotence are caused by problems related to stress and anxiety. One fairly simple way that doctors determine the root cause of impotence is by taking a simple medical history.

If the patient is capable of sustaining an erection while asleep or during masturbation then the problem is more than likely psychological and emotional in nature. It's important to note that experiencing one episode of impotence does not necessarily indicate a serious long-term erectile disorder.

Rather, it's relatively common for men to experience bouts with impotence, especially as they age. It is estimated that almost 20 percent of men at age 60 will experience bouts of impotence on a fairly regular basis. By age 80, it is estimated that nearly 70 percent of men will experience some form of sexual impotence.

Treatment of impotence generally involves treating the underlying problem. One of the most common approaches to treating the problem is with oral medications. Recent developments in medicine have made available numerous new drug therapies for men experiencing regular bouts with impotence.

Perhaps the most famous of these drug therapies is Viagra (sildenafil), manufactured by the Pfizer pharmaceutical company. There are certain specific chemical messengers that are responsible for keeping the blood flow in the erectile tissue.

Viagra helps alleviate the symptoms of impotence by inhibiting the flow of enzymes that break down these chemical messengers. Although Viagra and other anti-impotence drugs have been proven to be highly effective, they can have serious side effects. Men with a history of kidney or liver problems should avoid taking Viagra and some other anti-impotence drugs. Viagra and other drugs have also been linked to heart problems in some patients.

Another viable option for men fighting impotence is to undergo surgical implants. Surgical implants are reserved for men who cannot achieve an erection by any physical means. The most common type of a surgical implant is the use of a semi-rigid rod that is implanted in the penis.

This implant causes the penis to remain permanently in a semi-erect position. Another surgical implant option involves the use of an inflatable device that comes equipped with a pump. Both surgical implants have been proven safe. They should not cause interference with the process of ejaculation or physical sensation.

Surgical intervention is generally reserved for patients who have not responded to other, less invasive forms of treatment.