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Impotence Explained: Everything You Need To Know

Duncan Reid: Patient Safety & Professional Services Manager | minute read
Man sat on the sofa, hand on his chin

What is impotence?

Impotence is the medical term for the inability to achieve or maintain an erection. 

Impotent men may be able to get an erection but may not be able to sustain an erection or ejaculate.

At least 50% of all men aged between 40 and 70 will have impotency to some degree. Impotence can significantly impact your sex life, especially if it occurs frequently.

If you think you are impotent you can ask your GP for a diagnosis.

How does impotence happen?

Impotence occurs when enough blood doesn't flow to the penis to achieve or sustain an erection. 

The reason for the decrease in blood flow to the penis can be caused by vascular, neurogenic, psychological or hormonal conditions.  

It is best to discuss your health, wellbeing, and lifestyle with your GP to find the most likely cause of your impotence. 

What are impotence risk factors?

There are multiple risk factors for impotence

These can include medical conditions and medications, as well as lifestyle factors such as taking illicit drugs, smoking and drinking alcohol. 

Some of the risk factors for impotence include:

  • Psychological factors - performance anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship problems

  • Vascular factors - high blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems, stroke, and cancer

  • Neurogenic factors - spinal cord trauma, stroke, Parkinson's, and nerve disease

  • Hormonal factors - low testosterone levels or steroid abuse

  • Lifestyle choices - smoking, drinking alcohol, or taking illicit drugs

Erectile dysfunction vs impotence

Erectile dysfunction is the same as impotence. 

Both are terms that can be used to describe the frequent inability to get or maintain an erection long enough to engage in sexual activity. 

Impotence (erectile dysfunction) can happen to men at any age but it is particularly common in men above the age of 40.

Things that help improve impotence

There are certain lifestyle choices you can make to help improve impotence or reduce the risk factors. 

Lifestyle choices to help improve impotence include:

  • Reducing stress 

  • Treating underlying health conditions

  • Therapy or couples counselling 

  • Eating a healthy and balanced diet

  • Avoiding alcohol, smoking, and drugs

  • Exercising regularly

Looking after your physical and mental wellbeing is important when trying to improve your impotence symptoms. 

Although there is no ‘cure’ that can solve all causes of impotence, it can often be treated by addressing or resolving the underlying cause.

What are the treatments for impotence?

There are two popular treatments for impotence that can be used alongside making healthier lifestyle choices. 

The treatment options include vacuum erectile devices and erectile dysfunction medication.

Vacuum erectile devices (VED) work by drawing blood to the penis using suction force. VEDs are a natural alternative method to medication. 

Erectile dysfunction medication is a popular treatment option, with a wide range of medications available on the market. Popular impotence medications include Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil), and Levitra, (vardenafil). 

Who can I talk to about impotence?

You can discuss impotence with your GP or a specialist urologist consultant. 

Your GP or healthcare provider will be able to diagnose your condition as well as run any further tests to make sure that there are no other underlying health conditions. 

Once you have received a diagnosis for impotence your treatment options may include medication and/or counselling. 

Where can I purchase impotence medication?

Once you have received a diagnosis and a prescription from your GP.

You can pick up your impotency prescription from your local in-store pharmacy or online. 

At Pharmacy2U we stock a wide range of impotence medications so that you can have one-off or repeat prescriptions delivered to your door.

We will always make sure that your prescription arrives safely and discreetly.