How to Stop Impotence

Impotence, also called erectile dysfunction, occurs when a man cannot hold an erection long enough to perform a sexual act. Impotence is caused by heart disease, obesity, high-blood pressure, tobacco and alcohol use, clogged arteries and psychological factors such as stress or depression. Treatments are available.

Things You'll Need

• Medication
• Penis pump and tension ring

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Instructions

• 1

  See your doctor when impotence interferes with your sexual pleasure. Your doctor will examine you and discuss medication and other treatment options.

• 2

  Take medication your doctor prescribes. Medications normally prescribed for impotence are called phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Their drug names are sildenafil and vardenafil. They increase blood flow to the penis resulting in better erectile function. Do not take these medications if you are on a blood thinner, take nitroglycerin or alpha blockers, have low- or high-blood pressure, heart disease, uncontrolled diabetes or have had a stroke.

• 3

  Talk to your doctor about a penis pump. The penis pump is battery powered with a hollow tube. Place the hollow tube over the penis and turn on the pump to suck out air from the tube. A vacuum effect pulls blood down into the penis. Place a tension ring around the base of the penis when an erection is achieved. Remove the tension ring after sex. A tension ring may also be used to achieve an erection without the penis pump.

• 4

  See a psychologist if you are suffering from depression or stress. Your doctor will discuss how these feelings can affect your sexual performance. Ask your partner to join you in counseling sessions. Certain anti-depressants may cause impotence, though. Talk to your doctor if you believe your anti-depressant is contributing to your impotence and see if there are other drugs you can try.