According to a study presented recently at the European Society of Sexual Medicine, about one third of the 631 impotent participants who did not get the desired result after taking prescription medication such as Viagra for the first time gave up sex altogether. When the pills did not work the first time, 68 percent of men reported a loss of self-esteem, 32 percent felt depressed and 24 percent said they believed their condition could never be treated. One third simply did not return to their doctor to try an alternative treatment after a failed attempt, something the researchers said highlighted the fact many men delay or ignore treating their problem. Doctors say that this is unfortunate because there may be other treatment options that a patient can explore with their doctor's guidance. Patients can have the option to take either testosterone injections, other oral prescriptions, direct injections to the shaft, vacuum pumps, surgery, or in cases of psychological issues, counseling. Apart from those there are other, more unconventional treatments available, like herbal medicine, acupuncture, or experimental medicine. But what exactly is sexual impotence and how is it treated?



Sexual impotence, or erectile dysfunction, is a condition characterized by a man's repeated inability to achieve or maintain an erection suitable for sexual intercourse. It commonly affects sexually mature males, usually due to underlying medical or psychological conditions. It can be caused by alcohol abuse, smoking, hormonal deficiency, or diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Psychological impotence can be caused by depression; feelings of anxiety or nervousness; stress from work, family or financial problems; unresolved issues between sexual partners; feelings of self-consciousness; and fearing a partner's reaction or rejection.

One of the most popular treatments for sexual impotence are prescription oral phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors such as Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil), and Levitra (vardenafil) which are reliable, non-invasive and conveniently packaged in pill form. These drugs work by blocking the enzyme known as PDE5, which breaks down the chemicals that cause the erectile response. PDE5 inhibitors work by relaxing smooth muscle tissue in the blood vessels of the penis enabling their dilation and increasing blood supply to the corpus cavernosum, thus allowing the penile shaft to engorge and stay firm for a longer period of time. But contrary to popular opinion, these drugs do not directly create an erection in the penis, instead requiring sexual stimulation in order to work. However, it does increase the sensitivity of the male sexual organ.

Although these medications have been hailed as a wonder drug by impotent men worldwide, PDE5 inhibitors are not without its complications. Numerous side effects such as headache, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, muscle pains, flushing of the face and body, runny nose, palpitations, and vision disturbances have been observed in some patients. However, there has been some evidence that these side effects diminish with prolonged use. It is also not recommended for patients taking nitrate-based drugs or alpha-blockers, because interaction between those prescriptions with PDE5 inhibitors can be fatal in some cases.

As with any medication, PDE5 inhibitors have both positive and negative effects on the body. If you are suffering from sexual impotence and did not achieve an erection upon taking Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra for the first time, please consult your doctor. He can give you a different prescription medication that is more suited to your physiology. Don't just give up.