Impotence,Erectile dysfunction. Call it what you will - they`re all words that men fear or hate.

But despite the reluctance to talk about it, it`s a surprisingly common condition.

Around one in ten patients in the country suffer from erectile dysfunction. There are specialist clinics out there to help men deal with the condition.

There are even plenty of different types of treatment out there to help. But it`s still something that`s not a chosen topic of conversation.

"Erectile dysfunction means the inability to sustain an erection long enough to achieve penetration," says Jo Begley, urology clinical nurse specialist at Middlesbrough`s James Cook University Hospital.

"That does not necessarily mean a man with a woman. We do not judge. You also have to think about men who do not have a partner."

Smoking, drinking and drug use can all lead to impotence.

Similarly, high blood pressure and even the drugs used to treat high blood pressure can also lead to erectile dysfunction.

But often, another condition can lead to the problem. "It is a symptom of something else," explains Jo. "It can be a psychological condition or a symptom of an organic one."

Of the men attending clinics at James Cook with erectile dysfunction, around 70pc have organic and 30pc have psychological impotence.

For psychological, men are given psycho-sexual counselling, which can be combined with various intimate techniques they are taught. Counselling can also be backed up with drugs, if needed. Ciailis, Viagra and Levitra can all be used, as well as Uprima for men with heart conditions such as angina. And there are other drugs which can also be tried out if all else fails.

For men with organic impotence, a full clinical and psychological history is taken before treatment is discussed.

Patients can range from those with high blood pressure and drug dependency to people who have undergone bladder or bowel surgery.

"50pc of diabetics will suffer from it," explains Jo. "About 70pc of patients who are on drugs for high blood pressure or who have it untreated will suffer with it.

"Smoking and alcohol cause it and drug abuse causes impotence and loss of libido. They are the most common groups but there are also people who take anti depressants or painkillers."

To start with, organic impotence may be treated with drugs. But if they fail, the next method to try is MUSE - Medicated Urethral System for Erection.

This is a small pellet that is pushed into the tip of the penis with a small, specially-designed plunger. The pellet dissolves, and is absorbed by the tissues, to cause an erection.

"There are a lot of people, especially the elderly, who cannot use drugs. If all else fails we can use surgery."

Author: By Helen Sturdy Evening Gazette

Published On: 09 March 2005

Source: http://www.uk-clinic.co.uk