Impotence

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Impotence is a repeated problem with getting or keeping an erection (ee-REK-shun) of the penis. Impotence is also called erectile (ee-REK-tile) 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. For example, taking sildenafil citrate (Viagra®) within 24 hours of taking a nitrate-type of medicine can kill you. 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.
  
  
• 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 (koh-LES-ter-ol), 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 (med-i-TAY-shun), 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. You may want to call or write the following organizations for more information.

• Sexual Function Health Council
  American Foundation for Urologic Disease
  Sexual Function Health Council
  1128 North Charles Street
  Baltimore, MD 21201
  Phone: 1-410-468-1800
  Phone: 1-800-433-4215
  Web Address: http://www.impotence.org/
  

• 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.
  
  

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have a painful erection.
  
  
• Your erection does not go down after four hours.
  
  
• You pass urine that is a pink or red color.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

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.

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