IMPOTENCE

There are a number of physical and psychological reasons why a man may become impotent. The physical causes may include:
1. Medications
2. Alcohol
3. Cardiovascular disease and diseased blood vessels, such as those that can result from atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
4. Nerve damage
5. Diabetes and diabetic neuropathy
6. High blood pressure (hypertension)
7. Kidney failure
8. Hormonal imbalances
9. Tumors of the hypothalamus or pituitary glands
10. Depression
11. Surgery for cancer of the prostate
12. Spinal cord injuries
13. Some chronic diseases, such as multiple sclerosis

Psychosocial or emotional factors may also cause a man's inability to have an erection. Included in the causes may be:
1. Anxiety about not being able to have an erection
2. Loss of desire for sexual activity or for one's partner
3. Fatigue
4. Stress
5. Physical Abuse
6. Psychological Abuse
7. Internal, personal conflict
8. Interpersonal conflict or discord with a partner
9. Guilt
10. Fear
11. Anger and resentment
12. Hostility

The inability to get or maintain an erection may significantly impact an individual's wellbeing and the quality of his relationships. Almost every man experiences temporary bouts of impotence, and the problem usually goes away on its own. Chronic or prolonged impotence, however, may require consultation with a health professional. With impotency, the mind-body connection is a powerful one. An episode of impotency may create anxiety or fear that, in turn, further contributes to a man's inability to have an erection. The cycle continues. Usually, the ability to "achieve" an erection during masturbation or an erection during sleep indicates that the cause is more likely to be psychological than physical. If you experience frequent or chronic impotence, consult a physician or a urologist (a physician who specializes in the male reproductive system). The physician will ask several questions about the problem, as well as about your personal medical history, family medical history, use of medications or drugs, and your relationship with your partner. A physical examination, as well as other tests, may be recommended. Other tests may include an angiography, blood tests, and a neurological examination. If no physical causes are confirmed, the physician may recommend that you, or you and your partner obtain counseling or therapy.

Impotency Treatment
Treatment options vary, depending on the cause and the individual's personal circumstances. Treatment options for impotency may include:

1. Psychological counseling or psychotherapy, either individually or with your partner.
2. Treatment of underlying medical conditions that may be causing the impotency.
3. Medications (the elimination of medications that may be causing the impotency) or a recommendation for medication (such as hormones) to enable a man have an orgasm
4. Vascular reconstructive surgery.
5. Penile implantation of a penile prosthesis.
All medications and procedures carry risks. To make an informed decision, men should ask their physicians to fully explain the benefits, risks and costs of all treatment alternatives.