Friday, July 3, 2009

Information about Impotence and Treatments

Impotence, also called erectile dysfunction, is defined as a consistent inability to achieve or maintain penile erection firm enough and long enough to complete sexual intercourse. Although impotence is a fairly common condition, it can be seen as the least discussed problem in men due to the sexual nature of the problem and social taboos associated with the word ‘impotence’. Though age has nothing to do with impotence, the condition is prevalent among elderly men especially those above 65 years of age as they are more likely to suffer from diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes etc that impede the physiological processes necessary for erection.

Impotence treatments

Here we shall discuss some of the impotence treatments that were used before the introduction of Viagra. Though these methods are still used and have greatly improved over the years, most men prefer using oral impotence treatment drugs such as Viagra. You can Buy viagra online.

• Vacuum pump – A plastic cylinder and a suction pump is used to create a vacuum around the penis so that more blood could rush in and cause erection. A ring is then used to maintain the erection. This method can be considered clumsy to use.

• Injection – Drugs such as Prostaglandin E (alprostadil) are injected directly into the base of the penis about 5 – 20 minutes before having sex. The drug remains effective for about an hour. Use of injection involves side effects such as bleeding from the injection, prolonged erection and formation of fibrous tissue at the injection site.

• Hormone treatments – In a small number of men, who have reduced levels of the male sex hormone testosterone, hormone replacement therapy may be used.

• Penis implant – This method is used only when all other treatment methods fail to produce effective results. There are two types of penile implant.

1. Semi-rigid type penis implant – It keeps the penis rigid all the time. The penis can be bent downwards when not having sex.

2. Hydraulic type penis implant - The penis stiffens when a pump that is implanted in the scrotum is activated.

This surgical method is painful, expensive and involves the risk of infections.

• Counseling and sex therapy – This method is helpful when the cause of impotence is psychological in nature such as in the case of men not being able to have erection due to depression, anxiety or in the case of relationship problem.