Impotence or “erectile dysfunction” is the inability to attain or sustain an erection for long enough for sexual activity. About 70% of cases of impotence are actually caused by an underlying disease, such as diabetes or kidney disease, rather than a mental or physical problem. Secondary impotence from various drugs and medications is common. Physical damage from injury or surgery is another common cause of impotence. Psychological causes of impotence are estimated to be only 10-20% of cases. Although psychological aspects such as anxiety and fear of sexual failure are commonly associated with impotence, they are not usually the real case, but are a reaction to having impotence.

Causes Of Impotence:

· Alcohol

· Stress

· Various hormonal or metabolic diseases can lead to impotence:

1. Kidney disease
2. Alcoholism
3. Liver disease

· Physical damage of various types can lead to impotence: Blood or blood vessel disorders that may cause impotence include:

1. Blood flow disorders

· Disorders affecting the nerves that may cause impotence include:

1. Diabetes – impotence caused by diabetes is often curable by treating the diabetes.
2. Neuropathy

Diagnostic Test list for Impotence:

The list of medical tests mentioned in various sources as used in the diagnosis of Impotence includes:

• Physical exam
• Blood counts
• Urinalysis
• Lipid profile
• Creatinine test
• Liver enzymes test
• Testosterone level
• Monitoring nocturnal penile tumescence
• Psychosocial examination

Top Treatments for Impotence

The list of treatments mentioned in various sources for Impotence includes the following list. Always seek professional medical advice about any treatment or change in treatment plans.

• Discontinuing medications possibly causing impotence
• Treating an underlying systemic disease if found
• Psychotherapy
  • Counselling
  • Behavior modifications
• Oral drugs (pills)
  • Sildenafil citrate (Viagra)
  • Testosterone pills
  • Yohimbine hydrochloride
  • Dopamine agonists
  • Serotonin agonists
  • Trazodone
  • Phentolamine – a new research treatment
• Penile injected drugs
  • Papaverine hydrochloride
  • Phentolamine
  • Alprostadil (Caverject)
  • Topical nitroglycerin
• Surgically implanted penile devices
  • Alprostadil pellet (MUSE)
  • Inflatable implants
  • Malleable implants
• Corrective penile surgery:
  • Artery repair surgery
  • Vein ligation
• External vacuum devices

Top Drugs and Medications used to treat Impotence:

Note:You must always seek professional medical advice about any prescription drug, OTC drug, medication, treatment or change in treatment plans.

Some of the different medications used in the treatment of Impotence include:

• Sildenafil Citrate
• Viagra
• Alprostadil
• Caverject
• Caverject Impulse
• Edex
• Muse
• Muse Pellet
• Apomorphine
• Apokyn
• Tadalafil
• Cialis
• Vardenafil
• Levitra .