Man to Man: The Facts on Impotence

Even in an age where couples take to national television to reveal their sexual secrets, the topic of impotence often is off-limits. Men do not want to talk about it. It's too embarrassing, they think, something that does not happen to "real men."

But the truth is that up to 30 million men suffer with erectile dysfunction (E.D.) and it can successfully be treated in most cases. Rather than hiding the situation, or suffering through the pain it can cause in a relationship, men who are having problems need to consult a doctor.

In 85 to 90 percent of cases, the cause of the condition is physical. Erections occur when a man becomes sexually aroused and blood vessels that supply the penis relax, allowing more blood to fill the organ. If there is any interference with the process, impotence may occur.

In some cases, physical disease or disorder in the lungs, liver, kidneys, heart, nerves, arteries, or veins can lead to a problem. In others, surgery or trauma from an injury may be the cause.

Antidepressants, antihistamines and medications to treat high blood pressure, pain and prostate cancer also can sometimes be to blame. Or an unhealthy lifestyle can lead to impotence.

Men who struggle with chronic use of alcohol, marijuana or other drugs are at risk, as are heavy smokers and those who regularly eat food with high fat content. Though myths tied to the disease lead us to believe the problem is, "all in your head," only 10 to 15 percent of cases are linked to psychological problems with stress, anxiety or depression.

Once the causes are eliminated, regular sexual activity can resume. But until a doctor is consulted, it is impossible to determine a solution. Unfortunately, it is estimated that only 10 percent of men seek treatment.

By not meeting with a professional, men often are left to buy into the abundance of misconceptions surrounding impotence, such as it being a natural part of aging or a condition without a cure.

Those who do seek help will meet with a doctor who generally will conduct a physical exam, followed by basic laboratory tests.

Though the drug Viagra has received the most attention of late, there are a variety of ways to treat the condition. Among the treatments are:

• Needle-injection therapy, which involves using a fine needle to inject a hormone into the penis and produce an erection.
• Self-intraurethral therapy, which uses a disposable device to insert the hormone into the tip of the penis.
• Vacuum devices, which involve using a manual pump to pull blood to the penis.

Other options include surgery and penile implants.

Even if an initial treatment does not solve the problem, doctors can continue to work with a patient to find an answer. But nothing will be resolved until a person makes the initial doctor's appointment.

For more information on osteopathic medicine or referral information, please contact the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) at 1-800-621-1773, ext. 8252, or visit the AOA's Web site at http://www.osteopathic.org .

About the author: Dr. Michael K. Murphy, retired as a Navy Captain, is a board certified osteopathic family physician and served as the dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery, University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences in Des Moines, Iowa USA.

Similar of Man to Man: The Facts on Impotence

Impotence: An Eminently Treatable Problem

Impotence, or the inability to achieve or sustain an erection satisfactory for intercourse, is perhaps one of the most troubling medical conditions a man can

Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine - what is it?

Patients often ask me, "What is Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine and how does it differ from chiropractic treatment and massage? What conditions can it be

Impotence

Inability of a man to complete sexual intercourse. Although- the term is sometimes taken to mean the same as sterility, technically the two conditions are

Health Issues ( Skin-Cancer Surgery, High Blood Pressure )

Specialized Skin-Cancer Surgery Certain cases of skin cancer pose difficulties because they are recurrent or located in cosmetically sensitive areas with

Few Myths and Misconceptions about High Blood Pressure

Myth: Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is normal. Fact Though more than 50 million Americans have high blood pressure, hypertension is not a "normal"

Medications for Erectile Dysfunction

Few Drugs Used for Erectile Dysfunction Treatment are Listed Below: Generic Name and Action Brand Name(s) Common Dosages Side Effects Special

Sexual Dysfunction

Symptoms Sexual dysfunction is broadly defined as the inability to fully enjoy sexual intercourse. For men, you may have a sexual problem if you: ejaculate

Topics:

• Fertility and sexual health