Information related to Impotence, Erectile Dysfunction (Ed) and not being able to get it up.
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    + Questions Answered

    What is impotence or Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?

    Impotence or Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is defined as the inability to achieve and maintain an erection sufficiently to permit satisfactory sexual activity.

    What is the difference between impotence and erectile dysfunction?

    Nothing except the more modern term is erectile dysfunction, especially in the US. The rest of the world, especially Europe and Asia still use the term impotence to describe their condition.

    Is impotence a disease?

    No, it is usually more of a symptom or side effect of something else. That "something else" can be quite serious, even life threatening in some cases, so the cause of impotence needs to be determined and corrected if possible. This obviously means you should let your family doctor know if you are one experiencing erectile problems.

    Is impotence treatable?

    Yes, often the underlying cause can be determined with a few simple tests and in some cases corrected. Even if the cause is not correctable (i.e. high blood pressure, prostate cancer, atherosclerosis, diabetes, etc) nearly every man can have his erectile dysfunction treated and satisfactory erections restored.

    How common is impotence/erectile dysfunction?

    Unfortunately, very common. A recent study done in Massachusetts showed that 52% of men between ages 40-70 had some degree of erectile difficulty. It is estimated that between 20 and 30 million men in the US have erectile dysfunction, only a small percentage of them have yet to seek or receive treatment.

    Isn't most impotence/erectile dysfunction an emotional or psychological problem?

    Not really. While it is true that problems with erections can cause great psychological stress for the man who has it, the underlying cause of the problem in up to 90% of cases is a physical or medical one.

    What kinds of medical problems cause impotence?

    Things like hypertension, coronary artery or heart disease, "hardening of the arteries" (arteriosclerosis), hyperlipidemia, elevated cholesterol levels, diabetes, stroke, neurologic problems like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injury. Surgery or radiation to correct cancer on the pelvic area (colon, bladder, prostate) can cause impotence. Also many medications, especially blood pressure medications and anti-psychotic drugs, can cause erectile dysfunction or impotence as a side effect.

    What about my partner?

    Impotence or erectile dysfunction is not just a man's problem. It's a "couple's disorder." Involving your partner and discussing how this is affecting both of you is very important and often leads to better communication and understanding between couples and certainly to easier solutions.

    What should I do if I want help or need information?

    Talk to your family doctor or specialist about your problem. You can also access valuable information on this Website by emailing your questions - just follow the prompts. You can also set up a telephone appointment with a physician (urologist) who is a well-known specialist in the field of erectile dysfunction by the following the prompts.


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