Men's Sexual Health Questions Answered
Q: What is impotence? Can it be treated? A: Impotence is the inability to achieve or maintain an adequate erection frequently or regularly. It is important to understand that one episode of decreased ability for erection does not mean someone is impotent. You should feel free to speak to your doctor about your sexual activity. It is a normal part of health, and physicians are trained to discuss, evaluate and treat, when necessary, these issues. A doctor can evaluate each individual to assess potential causes for impotence and determine the proper treatment, if any, that is needed. For example, in many younger patients, impotence is due to the use of medications. Most often, discontinuation of those drugs returns sexual function to normal. In older patients, vascular disease, neurologic disease, and medications are common reasons for impotence. Certain conditions are more frequently associated with impotence. Up to 25-50% of men with diabetes will have some degree o...