Sexual impotence, or erectile dysfunction, is a condition characterized by a man’s repeated inability to obtain or maintain an erection suitable for sexual intercourse. Erections are managed by two different mechanisms, the reflex and the psychogenic erection. Reflex erections are achieved by directly touching the male shaft. Psychogenic erections are achieved by erotic or emotional stimuli. Sexual impotence can be caused by psychological issues, stress, alcohol abuse, smoking, hormonal deficiency, or diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. When the underlying medical or psychological condition causing the sexual impotence is determined, the proper course of treatment will then be prescribed. Patients will have the option to take either testosterone injections, 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.
One of the most popular treatments for sexual impotence is the use of oral phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors such as Viagra...