Impotence is the inability to
maintain a sufficiently erect penis to perform sexual
intercourse. Erections in the penis occur because or proper
blood supply (arterial) to the penis. Proper balance of
nerve conduction to the smooth muscles that control outflow
of blood from the penis (i.e., keep blood in the penis so it
stays erect) is essential, and the contraction of other
muscles (bulbocavernosus and ischiocavernosus muscles) help
to maintain an erection. Organic (actual medical problems)
causes are more common than psychological causes of
impotence.
Inability to get an erection
Inability to maintain an erection
Lack of morning erections indicates
organic disease
Presence of morning erections
indicates probable psychological
origin
Arterial insufficiency (including
coronary artery disease or atherosclerosis disease with
diabetics being at highest risk)
Viagra is an oral medication that
is effective for many individuals. Individuals who are
taking nitroglycerin medications should not use Viagra
because it could cause the blood pressure to drop
dangerously low.
Testosterone injections in those
found to have low testosterone levels
Vacuum constriction device is a
cylindrical vacuum device that induces an erection. A rubber
band is placed at the base of the penis to maintain the
erection.
Injection therapy -- medications
that induce erections (e.g., Prostaglandin-E synthase) are
injected directly into the penis.
Penile prostheses are devices
implanted into the penis that either maintain an erect state
or are inflatable to create an erection.
Vascular surgery is required for those with disorders of the arterial system or venous system.