options

Several Treatment Options Available for Impotence

Dr.Joe's Data Base

Several Treatment Options Available for Impotence

April 1995

Impotence is a subject many men are reluctant to discuss, even with their spouse or physician, yet it affects millions of men and is often treatable.

"Many men find the topic of impotence, or more correctly, male erectile dysfunction, very difficult to discuss," said Dr. Ronald W. Lewis, chief of the Section of Urology at the Medical College of Georgia. "Many may think that it just happens as they get older and that there's nothing that can be done about it, and their sex life, and the sex life of their partner, often ends there. However, often the condition can be treated."

Although erectile dysfunction is more common in older men, it is not a natural consequence of getting older, according to Dr. Lewis. It more often is a consequence of another illness or even some medical treatments.

"It can be a devastating blow to most men, especially because our society tends to put such an emphasis on sex," Dr. Lewis said.

The problem is very common. More than 50 percent of American men between ages 50 to 70 will experience some problem with erection, either temporarily or permanently. It also can occur in younger men, although it doesn't happen as frequently.

"It used to be that most people, including physicians, thought erectile dysfunction was primarily a psychological problem, but with further research, we've learned that this isn't the case," he said. "More than 90 percent of erectile dysfunction cases have a physical cause." However, psychological factors may also complicate impotence by causing problems with self-confidence, anxiety and partner communication.

It is important for the man and his physician to discuss any medications or drugs, including alcohol, that may be causing the problem. For example, some high blood pressure medications, anti-depressants and anti-psychotic drugs may cause impotence in some men. It may be possible to solve the problem by trying another medication.

In younger men, the cause is more often psychological, according to Dr. Lewis. For example, anxiety and fear about contracting a sexually transmitted disease might cause impotence in some men. It may also be caused by vascular problems that don't allow adequate blood into the area.

Treatment options for impotence include counseling with the man and his partner, a vacuum device that helps bring more blood into the area, injection therapy, which uses medication to cause an erection, and implantation of a prosthesis. Vascular surgery may be able to help men who have an inadequate blood supply to the area, for example, due to an injury.

"Many of these treatment options are not generally well understood by many people, and they can be quite effective if used properly, so it is important to ask a physician," Dr. Lewis said. "It is important to see the couple, not just the man, if it is possible, because this is a problem that affects both their lives. Depending on each person's needs and priorities, treatment can often be tailored to the couple."

It is normal for a man to have an occasional experience with impotence, although if it happens more often, a physician may be able to offer some help.

"Don't rush to the doctor after it happens one time, but if you experience difficulty three or more times in a row, ask your family doctor," Dr. Lewis said. "He may be able to pinpoint the cause, offer treatment or refer you to a urologist. But if someone says it is all in your head, go get a second opinion."

CONTACT:
Ingrid Heggoy
Information Specialist
(706) 721-4410

1995 Feature Stories
Medical College of Georgia

Ingrid Heggoy /
iheggoy@mail.mcg.edu
September 21, 1995