Impotence
The inability to achieve an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse is defined as impotence, or
erectile insufficiency. Many men feel embarrassed about this condition and are often hesitant to
talk about it to a physician.
There are a number of factors involved in successfully achieving a firm erection. First, there has to be the desire to achieve it. Depression, anxiety, and a strained relationship will impair the quality of an erection. Having low testosterone levels will also diminish a man's sexual drive, and thus impair the quality of the erection. Diminished blood flow into the penile arteries secondary to either medications, smoke, diabetes, or increased cholesterol levels impair, or diminish, the rigidity of an erection. If the veins to the penis cannot trap the arterial blood flow to the penis, a shot-lasting erection will ensue. If the nerves that send the messages to the penis that it should get an erection are damaged, impotence can also result. Damaged erectile tissue of the penis can also prevent erections from occurring.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
There are some medications that are known to affect erections, especially in blood pressure and
antacid families. Changing these medication for others may improve erections. If psychological
factors are felt to be impairing the quality of erections, then they should be dealt with. If
testosterone levels are measured and are low, testosterone supplementation may improve one's
erections. For other causes of erectile dysfunction, the treatment options are the same.
There has been much press given recently to a new medication released on the market in late 1998 called Viagra, or sildenafil. It is supposed to work in about 50% of patients regardless of the etiology (origin) of the impotence. It supposedly has few side effects. Whether or not it will live up to its billing remains to be seen.
Adult & Pediatric Urology, P.L.L.P
www.apumn.com
Main Office
2351 Connecticut Ave South
Suite 200
Sartell, MN 56377
Tel: 320.259.1411
Fax: 320.259.8967
Toll-free: 888.559.1411
Buffalo Office
1700 Highway 25 North
Suite 120
Buffalo, MN 55313
Tel: 763.682.2268
Research Office
320.229.4547
(and 14 outreach clinics)