Impotence

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Impotence is a repeated problem with getting or keeping an erection of the penis. Impotence is also called erectile dysfunction, or ED. An erection is when the penis gets hard, stiff, and raised so that sexual intercourse (sex) is possible. Impotence is most often caused by physical problems, but emotional problems may also cause it or make it worse. Impotence is a very common problem. It may be a long-term problem, or only occur once in a while. Impotence may be helped by controlling other medical conditions, taking certain medicines, or having surgery. Counseling (talk therapy) and using special devices may also be treatment options.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the dose, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Do not take any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping, or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver.
  
  
• Some drugs and nutritional supplements used to treat impotence may be dangerous when used with nitrate-containing medicines. Medicines that have nitrate may include certain heart medicines (such as nitroglycerin, or "nitro") and blood pressure medicines. Even some street drugs may contain nitrate. Before taking medicines to treat impotence, ask your caregiver if any of your other medicines contain nitrate. Never allow anyone else to take your medications.

Follow-up visit information:

Keep all appointments. Write down questions you have about impotence and how it is treated. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

How can I decrease my chances of having impotence problems?

Living a healthy lifestyle may decrease your chances of having impotence in the future.

• Avoid alcohol. Do not drink alcohol. Alcohol can damage your brain, heart, and liver. Almost every part of your body can be harmed by alcohol. Drinking alcohol can also make your sexual problems worse. Drinking alcohol while taking certain medicines use to treat ED can cause your blood pressure to go too low.
  
  
• Quit smoking. It is never too late to quit smoking. Smoking harms the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Blood vessel damage may lead to impotence and other health problems. Ask your caregiver for more information about how to stop smoking if you are having trouble quitting.
  
  
• Control risk factors. High blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, and being overweight increases your risk of hardening of the arteries. Ask caregivers for help controlling these conditions. You may be told to eat foods that are low in fat or cholesterol. Special cookbooks can make it easier to plan low fat and low cholesterol meals.
  
  
• Reduce stress. Since it is hard to avoid stress, learn to control it. Learn new ways to relax, such as deep breathing, meditation, relaxing muscles, music, or biofeedback. Talk to someone about things that upset you.

Coping with impotence:

Accepting that you have a sexual problem can be upsetting. You and your partner may feel sad, confused, or anxious because of your impotence. These feelings are normal. Talk about them with your caregiver or with someone close to you. Contact the following for more information.

• American Urological Association
  1000 Corporate Boulevard
  Linthicum , MD 21090
  Phone: 1- 410 - 689-3700
  Phone: 1- 866 - 746-4282
  Web Address: http://www.auanet.org
  

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have questions or concerns about impotence or your medicine and treatments.
  
  
• You cannot see or hear as well, or at all, after using medicine to treat ED. You may also have ringing in your ears or dizziness.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have chest pain at any time, especially after taking a medicine to treat ED, or during or after having sex.
  
  
• You have chest pain, dizziness, or nausea during sex.
  
  
• You have a painful erection.
  
  
• After using medicine to treat ED, your erection does not go away after four hours.
  
  
• You pass urine that is a pink or red color.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Impotence (Discharge Care)