Impotence (or erectile dysfunction) is defined as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse, and includes the inability to get an erection as a result of sexual stimulation or to lose your erection prior to ejaculation.

Most physicians suggest that treatments for impotence proceed along a path moving from least invasive to most invasive. This means cutting back on any harmful drugs is considered first. Psychotherapy and behavior modifications are considered next, followed by vacuum devices, oral drugs, locally injected drugs, and surgically implanted devices (and, in rare cases, surgery involving veins or arteries).

Psychotherapy

Experts often treat psychologically based impotence using techniques that decrease anxiety associated with intercourse. The patient’s partner can help apply the techniques, which include gradual development of intimacy and stimulation. Such techniques also can help relieve anxiety when physical impotence is being treated.
Impotence does not include other symptoms such as lack of libido, inability to ejaculate or the inability to achieve orgasm.

The primary physiological requirement for an erection to occur is sufficient blood flow to the penis. That’s why most recognized impotence treatments aim to achieve this result in a variety of different ways.

Despite the many claims of success made by the manufacturers of the new impotence drugs, they don’t provide a satisfactory solution for everyone.

Research on drugs for treating impotence is expanding rapidly. Patients should ask their doctors about the latest advances.