Treating impotence

Your treatment for impotence (erectile dysfunction) will depend upon the underlying cause.

If there is an underlying medical condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure or arteriosclerosis then this will need to be treated first. These will be dealt with before any treatment is prescribed for impotence.

Impotence is not a fatal condition but the medical conditions mentioned above are potentially life threatening. So what forms of treatment are available?

This section discusses the following types of treatment of an n individual basis. These include:

• Medication
• Self-help
• Hormone therapy
• Counselling
• Surgery
• Mechanical aids
• Complimentary therapy

There is also a section entitled paying for erectile dysfunction treatment which discusses NHS and private treatment.

In some cases, impotence can be treated, mainly by making a few lifestyle changes. These include stopping smoking, reducing alcohol consumption and losing weight.

If your impotence is caused by psychological factors such as relationship problems, stress or depression then counselling can help. You and your partner may find it beneficial to attend a series of psychosexual counselling sessions which can help you to talk through your problem.

Other forms of treatment include medication, e.g. PDE-5 inhibitors, mechanical aids such as vacuum pumps and surgery.