Getting Help for Impotence

Nearly all American men experience occasional impotence, and an estimated 30 million suffer from chronic impotence. But despite its prevalence, the condition -- also called erectile dysfunction -- is treatable in most cases.

"There have never been more proven, affordable treatment options than there are today," says Matis Fermaglich, M.D., a New Jersey urologist. "Yet, only one in four impotent men seeks help from a doctor."

Many cases of impotence are the result of physical causes, such as problems with circulation or nerves. It can also be a symptom of a more serious medical problem, such as arteriosclerosis, cardiovascular disease or diabetes.

Other causes

These are other causes of impotence:

• Prostate cancer surgery, which can affect nerves.

• Reaction to prescription medications for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression and other conditions.

• Heavy smoking, alcohol or illegal drug use.

• An accident or injury to the penis.

• Unrecognized psychological problems, such as depression, stress or anger.

The likelihood of impotence increases with age, but the condition isn't an inevitable result of aging.

Treatment options

There are several treatment options available. Your health and the cause of impotence will determine the right one for you. These are possible options:

• Oral medications, such as Viagra, Levitra and Cialis, which control the flow of blood to and from the penis. Because of side effects, these medications aren't for everyone.

• Self-injection therapy, which uses a tiny hypodermic needle to inject medication into the side of the penis. The drug relaxes the smooth muscle tissue of the penis, allowing blood to flow into the organ, thus creating an erection.

• Vacuum therapy, which works by placing a cylinder with an attached pump over the penis. The pump creates a vacuum, drawing blood into the penis.

• Prosthetic implants, which are hydraulic devices that are surgically implanted into the penis and have tubing that connects to a reservoir and pump to allow the device to be inflated or deflated on demand.

• Vascular surgery to repair narrow and/or blocked arteries.

• Psychotherapy that addresses the issues that accompany impotence. Counseling can be helpful in conjunction with medical treatment if it's provided by a therapist who has experience in this area.

Getting help

Embarrassment and a reluctance of patients to discuss sexual problems contribute to under diagnosis and the continuance of the problem.

"But if you're impotent, there's a very good chance you can be treated successfully," says Dr. Fermaglich. "You owe it to yourself and your partner to discuss your condition with your family doctor or a urologist."