Male Impotence Treatment

There are a number of reasons why you may have impotence. Around three-quarters of men who have it have physical problems affecting the blood supply. However, there is a complex relationship between the physical and psychological aspects of sexual function. For instance, you may have physical health problems that cause psychological distress and this may have an additional effect on erection problems.
Physical health

A number of conditions may cause impotence, including:

* high blood pressure
* high cholesterol
* diabetes
* obesity
* multiple sclerosis
* Parkinson’s disease
* stroke
* surgery (such as an operation to remove your prostate gland) or radiation in your pelvic area
* hormone imbalances such as hypogonadism which causes low levels of testosterone
* Peyronie’s disease – a condition affecting the sheath that surrounds the erectile tissue of the penis
* hypospadias – a condition causing the urethra and penis to develop abnormally

Lifestyle

Drinking too much alcohol can affect your ability to get and maintain an erection (often called ‘brewer’s droop’). In the longer term, it interferes with the production of testosterone, which can reduce your libido.

Smoking damages your blood vessels, so if you smoke this will increase the risk of erection problems. Chewing tobacco such as gutka may increase the risk of impotence. There is also anecdotal evidence suggesting that regular cannabis use can cause impotence.

Being physically inactive contributes to poor cardiovascular fitness, and may increase your risk of impotence. Impotence may be an early warning sign that you’re at risk of coronary heart disease (when the arteries that go to your heart are narrowed).

Many men need greater tactile stimulation as they get older. You may want to consider a change in sexual foreplay and technique to ensure a sustained erection
Medicines

The side-effects of some medicines such as treatments for high blood pressure and certain antidepressants can cause impotence. Medicines can also affect your libido or cause problems with erections, ejaculation and orgasm.
Cycling

If you cycle for more than three hours a week, you may be at risk of damaging nerves through contact with the saddle. Your GP may recommend that you stop cycling for a few weeks to allow the nerves to repair and see if there is any improvement. You can also buy saddles that reduce damage to the erectile nerves.

Psychological

Psychological problems can influence your ability to get and keep erections. These include:

* feeling anxious, guilty or depressed
* stress at work
* partner conflicts
* unresolved issues about sexual orientation
* sexual boredom