Find Impotence Specialists near you

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FAQs:

What is Impotence?

Impotence, which is also known as erectile dysfunction, is the inability to get and maintain an erection for intercourse. While the occasional issue with impotence is not considered rare or cause for concern, persistent issues can cause severe stress and be a sign of an underlying health issue. The causes of impotence can include physical and psychological sources.

What Age Does Erectile Dysfunction Start?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is often seen as an issue for older men, but it can affect younger males as well. Around 8% of men aged 20–29 and 11% of those aged 30–39 experience ED. Additionally, more men under 40 are seeking medical help for this condition. Age is a key risk factor, with a 40% chance of developing ED by age 40, and this risk increases by about 10% per decade. However, aging itself doesn't cause ED, and some men remain sexually active into their 80s.

What Does Premature Ejaculation Therapy Involve?

Through therapy, the therapist will help you how to identify your ‘point of inevitability’ and manage your level of sexual excitement so that you can control when you ejaculate. The initial session is a history-taking session where they collect information to assist in the planning of therapy. You and your therapist will discuss the issues, how long it has been present, what you have tried in the past, and how it is affecting you. In this session, you will also be provided with some information about PE and be given some simple “homework” exercises to take away with you.

If you are in a relationship, and your partner is with you then your partner will also be part of the process. If your partner has not attended this initial session we will invite them in at the next or later session. Premature ejaculation also affects the relationship and your partner.

After the first session, the therapist will discuss with you the “treatment plan” or how you will move forward. Future therapy may include stress-management techniques, anxiety-management techniques, and relaxation. Therapy will also involve you doing other “home-work” exercises including masturbating exercises. Therapy will incorporate such techniques as “stop/start”, and “squeeze” breathing exercises and pelvic floor exercises to assist in increasing ejaculatory control and increase the sensitivity/arousal threshold.

Do High Testosterone Levels Cause Impotence?

High testosterone levels aren’t usually known to cause ED. If you have naturally high testosterone levels and are experiencing erectile difficulties, you should speak with a doctor or healthcare professional, as it’s likely due to another issue.

However, those who take testosterone illicitly (such as in an attempt to boost bodybuilding) may experience ED and a host of other symptoms as well. While it can seem like more is always better when it comes to testosterone, in reality, excess testosterone in your body is turned into estrogen (regardless of your sex). This rise in estrogen may further contribute to ED.

Which Condition is a Cause of Impotency in Men?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. It is common, affecting at least 12 million U.S. men. Common conditions related to ED include diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, testosterone deficiency, and prostate cancer treatment.

Can Diabetic Impotence Be Reversed?

People with diabetes are at increased risk of developing erectile dysfunction (ED). It is estimated that about half of men who have diabetes also have ED. This occurs when nerves and blood vessels in the penis are damaged and a person cannot have an erection or maintain one.

Due to its complexity and multiple contributing factors, ED treatment can be involved. However, prevention or delay of ED is possible if a person with diabetes can keep their blood glucose levels at goal. This isn't always simple, as diabetes self-management is also complex and multilayered. Getting your blood sugar under control and maintaining it is an ongoing process. But you can find support, resources, and education to get you to your goals. Below are some simple steps to get you on your way.

What are Erectile Dysfunction Support Groups?

The Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Support Group is a safe and welcoming environment for men to discuss and confront the challenges associated with ED. It provides a platform for sharing experiences and gaining insights while fostering solidarity among participants. The group aims to help members regain confidence and intimacy through practical coping strategies, emotional support, and educational resources.

Goals of the Support Group:

1. Create a supportive space for members to share their ED experiences openly.

2. Explore effective strategies for managing the emotional consequences of ED.

3. Discuss the socio-cultural aspects of ED to promote understanding and empowerment.

This group is designed for men at any stage of experiencing ED, addressing feelings of isolation, stigma, and emotional distress, and offering essential support for all participants.

Is ED a Normal Part of Aging?

Although ED is commonly seen in older men, it is not a natural part of aging. Older men may need more sexual stimulation, such as touching or stroking, to achieve an erection, or they may need longer periods between two erections. Older men in good health, however, should be able to get an erection sufficient for intercourse.

If this does not occur, consulting a physician is necessary to rule out any underlying health conditions, such as an enlarged prostate or diabetes. ED is often thought to be a marker of poor blood flow to organs. Hence, every person with ED must be screened for cardiovascular fitness as well.

Can Kegel Exercise Cure Impotence?

Kegel exercises, or pelvic exercises, have proven to be effective in addressing erectile dysfunction, and they should be used as the first line of treatment. The ischiocavernosus and bulbocavernosus muscles in the pelvic area surround the penis and are active during an erection. The following exercises aim to strengthen these muscles.

What are the Benefits of Sexual Health Counselling?

Sexual health counseling refers to a dialogue with a psychological counselor about your sexual needs, concerns, and problems. You might want to seek counseling after discovering you’ve been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease (STD), or if you are suffering from sexual performance or relationship problems.

A trained health counselor can offer you precious direction and guidance for your condition, help you navigate areas of denial or difficulty, and restore your emotional and psychological equilibrium. If you’ve felt alone on your journey of sexual wellness, or have experienced anxiety, stress, or rejection in your relationship, it’s worth seeking a guiding hand to lead you along. Sexual health counseling can be invaluable in restoring your spirit, your strength, and your sexual well-being. All it takes is for you to take the first step.

Can an Impotent Man Feel Desire?

Men can still have orgasms, even if they don’t have an erection. During sexual touching or stimulation, a man can still have an orgasm, even if the penis isn’t hard enough for intercourse. It’s normal for men to have difficulty with erections on occasion. Erectile dysfunction gets more common as men get older.

Signs and Symptoms of Impotence in a Man

An erection problem occurs when a man cannot get or keep an erection that is firm enough for intercourse. You may not be able to get an erection at all. Or, you may lose the erection during intercourse before you are ready. Erection problems do not usually affect your sex drive. Symptoms may include any of the following:

1. Trouble getting an erection

2. Trouble keeping an erection

3. Having an erection that is not firm enough for intercourse

4. Less interest in sex

Causes of Impotence

In the past, ED was thought to be due to psychological problems. It is now known that, for most men, ED is caused by physical problems. These are most often related to the blood supply of the penis. There are different types and causes of ED. These are some of the most common:

1. Premature ejaculation. This is the inability to keep an erection long enough for mutual pleasure due to climaxing too soon.

2. Performance anxiety. This is most often caused by stress.

3. Depression. Being depressed can affect your ability to get an erection. Some antidepressants cause erection problems, too.

4. Organic impotence. This involves the arteries or veins in the penis. It is the most common cause of ED, especially in older men. It can be related to the hardening of the arteries throughout the body. Injury or a venous leak in the penis may also cause ED.

5. Diabetes. ED is common in men with diabetes. It causes early and severe hardening of the arteries. Problems with the nerves controlling erections are also often seen in men with diabetes.

6. Nervous system causes. Several nervous system problems can lead to ED. These include multiple sclerosis, stroke, and spinal cord and nerve injuries. Nerve damage from pelvic surgeries can cause ED.

7. Medicine-induced impotence. Blood pressure medicines, anti-anxiety and antidepressant medicines, glaucoma eye drops, and cancer chemotherapy medicines are just some of the many medicines that can cause ED.

8. Hormone-induced impotence. Hormone abnormalities can cause ED. These include increased prolactin, a hormone made by the pituitary gland. They also include steroid abuse by bodybuilders, too much or too little thyroid hormone, and hormones used to treat prostate cancer. Low testosterone can also cause ED.

9. Low testosterone. Low testosterone can be linked to ED.

10. Lifestyle choices. Smoking, excessive alcohol use, being overweight, and not exercising can also lead to ED.

Therapies for Erectile Dysfunction

Therapy can directly treat some types of ED. But even if you have a type of ED that can’t be cured with therapy, it can be a great way to get support. Different types of therapy that can help include:

1. Sex Therapy: This can help you understand your thoughts and feelings about sex and erections. Sex therapy doesn’t involve any touching between you and the therapist, though you may have intimate “homework” exercises to do on your own (or with a partner). 

2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This is a type of therapy where you explore your thoughts, behaviors, and feelings. CBT is helpful for mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, which can contribute to ED. There’s also evidence that it can directly help with ED — especially when combined with classic sex therapy techniques. 

3. Couples Therapy: This can be helpful if your relationship is affecting your ability to have an erection. It can also help you and your partner learn to communicate well and support each other through sexual challenges.  

Different Low Sex Drive Treatments

Low libido (low sex drive) is a decrease in sexual desire. It’s common and can be temporary or long-term. Libido naturally varies from person to person and can fluctuate throughout your life. But it’s important to see a healthcare provider if a dip in your libido is causing you distress. The treatment for low libido (low sex drive) depends on the cause. Several treatment options are available.

1. Education and communication: Education about sex, sexual behaviors, and sexual responses may help you overcome anxieties about sexual function. Open dialogue with your partner about your needs and concerns also helps overcome many barriers to a healthy sex life.

2. Stress management: Stress management involves using techniques to improve how you respond to life stressors. These techniques can prevent or ease stress-induced symptoms, such as low libido. Stress management may involve journaling, exercise, meditation, and other forms of self-care.

3. Medication change: When a medication is the cause of low libido, your healthcare provider may recommend changing the medication.

4. Hormone therapy for menopause: Hormone therapy (HT) boosts your hormone levels and relieves some of the symptoms of menopause, including low libido. The two main types of HT are estrogen therapy and estrogen-progesterone/progestin hormone therapy (EPT).

5. Hormone therapy for low testosterone: Providers treat low testosterone (male hypogonadism) with testosterone replacement therapy. Testosterone replacement therapy has several different forms, including pills, creams, injections, and patches.

6. Individual psychotherapy: Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is a term for a variety of treatment techniques that aim to help a person identify and change unhealthy emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Therapy with a mental health professional can help you address medical conditions, mental health conditions, or situations that may be contributing to a decrease in libido.

7. Couples therapy: In couples therapy, you and your partner work with a mental health professional to improve the overall quality of your relationship, work on resolving underlying problems, and learn how to increase intimacy and physical affection. This can help with issues related to libido.

8. Sex therapy: Sex therapists are qualified psychologists, doctors, or healthcare professionals who have specialized training in helping people with problems relating to sex, including a loss of sexual desire.

16 Natural Remedies to Treat Impotency

The best home remedies and treatments that might help to improve your erectile dysfunction symptoms include:

1. Maintain a Healthy Body Weight: Weight loss can enhance cardiovascular health and improve erectile function. Healthy habits also reduce the risks of diseases that affect sexual health.

2. Control Blood Pressure: Managing blood pressure is crucial, as high levels can damage blood vessels and lead to erectile dysfunction (ED). Strategies for maintaining healthy blood pressure are often aligned with natural ED remedies.

3. Eat a Balanced Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, like the Mediterranean diet, can support heart health and may alleviate ED symptoms.

4. Exercise Regularly: Engaging in aerobic activities for 30-60 minutes daily can enhance overall health and reduce the risk of ED, while promoting sexual desire and mental well-being.

5. Monitor Testosterone Levels: As testosterone levels decline with age, low testosterone can impact sex drive and erectile function. Testing is advisable for those suspecting low testosterone as a cause of ED.

6. Quit Smoking: Smoking harms sexual performance and vascular health. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, which can worsen erectile function.

7. Limit Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol can impair sexual performance. Moderation is key, with the CDC recommending no more than two drinks per day.

8. Reduce Porn Consumption: While the connection between porn use and ED is not fully established, excessive consumption may lead to dysfunction in some men.

9. Acupuncture: Some anecdotal evidence suggests acupuncture may help with ED, but research supporting its effectiveness is limited.

10. Consider Red Ginseng: This traditional herbal remedy shows potential benefits for ED, but evidence quality is generally low and unreliable.

11. Cautious Use of Yohimbe: While some studies indicate potential benefits for ED, evidence is inconsistent, and the supplement can pose significant health risks.

12. L-Arginine: This amino acid may aid in achieving erections by promoting blood vessel relaxation, but studies yield mixed results.

13. Rhodiola Rosea: Promoted for various health benefits, there is no conclusive evidence supporting its effectiveness for ED.

14. DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone): This hormone might increase testosterone in some men, but research remains limited and inconclusive.

15. Horny Goat Weed: Some evidence suggests this herb may mildly aid erectile function, though more research is needed.

16. Pomegranate Juice: Despite antioxidant benefits, claims about its effectiveness for ED are largely unsupported by research, with past studies being inconclusive.

Overall, a combination of lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and caution with supplements can help manage erectile dysfunction effectively.

Nonmedical Treatment for Female Sexual Dysfunction

To treat female sexual dysfunction, your doctor might recommend that you start with these strategies:

1. Talk and listen. Open communication with your partner makes a world of difference in your sexual satisfaction. Even if you're not used to talking about your likes and dislikes, learning to do so and providing feedback in a non-threatening way sets the stage for greater intimacy.

2. Practice healthy lifestyle habits. Limit alcohol — drinking too much can blunt your sexual responsiveness. Be physically active — regular physical activity can increase your stamina and elevate your mood, enhancing romantic feelings. Learn ways to decrease stress so you can focus on and enjoy sexual experiences.

3. Seek counseling. Talk with a counselor or therapist who specializes in sexual and relationship problems. Therapy often includes education about how to optimize your body's sexual response, ways to enhance intimacy with your partner, and recommendations for reading materials or couples exercises.

4. Use a lubricant. A vaginal lubricant may be helpful during intercourse if you have vaginal dryness or pain during sex.

5. Try a device. Arousal may be enhanced with stimulation of the clitoris. Use a vibrator to provide clitoral stimulation.

How to Cure Impotence

There are various treatments available for erectile dysfunction (ED), depending on the underlying cause. These include:

1. PDE5 Inhibitors (e.g., Viagra, sildenafil, tadalafil) – These medications enhance blood flow to the penis, helping to achieve stronger erections. Their duration of effect varies, with sildenafil lasting around 4 hours, and tadalafil lasting up to 36 hours.

2. Vacuum Pumps – These create an erection by drawing blood into the penis through suction, useful for those unable to take medication.

3. Alprostadil (Direct Injections or Suppositories) – Injections or urethral suppositories deliver medication directly to the penis, triggering an erection.

4. Penile Prostheses – Surgically implanted devices (inflatable or non-inflatable) are an option when other treatments fail.

5. Emerging Treatments – These include stem cell therapy and low-intensity shockwave therapy, both showing promise for restoring erectile function in some men.

What to Do When Your Husband/Partner is Impotent

Erectile dysfunction can take a toll on a relationship. You’ll want to support and encourage your partner as they manage their condition. It’s also important to take care of yourself, too.

Start with these strategies.

1. Learn as much as you can about ED. The more you know, the better prepared you'll be able to help your partner. You can talk about the lifestyle changes and medical treatments that could help.

2. Let them know how much you value them. Remind them that ED isn’t a reflection of their masculinity and that it hasn’t changed how you feel about them. Assure them that you’ll get through this together.

3. Talk about how you feel. You’re affected, too. Just like anything else that’s going on in your relationship, it can help to talk about it.

4. Stay positive. Discuss what you and your partner want and need and how to achieve it. Also, keep in mind that the condition is common and can be treated.

5. Adjust your sex life. Find other ways to please and satisfy each other so that they don’t feel pressured to perform.

6. Offer to go with them to the doctor. Even if they decide to go on their own, they’ll know you want to be there for them.

7. Remind them to let their doctor know how they’re doing. Are their treatments working? Do they have questions or side effects? Encourage them to update their doctor about that.

8. Keep up the other intimate parts of your relationship. Feeling close to each other can include more than sex. You may also want to talk to a counselor if the changes related to ED are worrying the two of you.

How to Find the Best Impotence Specialist Near Me

If erectile dysfunction, or ED, has become a persistent problem in your life, it may be time to consult an expert who has the experience and training to give you real solutions. Here’s a guide to help you find the best impotence specialist to meet your individual needs.

1. Ask Your Primary Care Physician About Recommendations for an Impotence Specialist

It’s OK to be open and honest with your primary care physician (PCP) about your erectile dysfunction symptoms. Your doctor may wish to investigate the physiological causes of your ED, like diabetes or heart issues. Finding the underlying cause of your ED may let you know if you need a referral to a urologist. If you do need a referral to a urologist, your PCP can provide a short list of specialists in your area you can consult.

2. Explore the Credentials of Your Possible Impotence Specialist

First, consult your doctor’s website. Read through your doctor’s biography section for information on their undergraduate and medical school education, residency training, and training in the specialty of urology. Note fellowship, or subspecialty training in men’s sexual health or reproductive health. This is an important credential for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

3. Find Out About Your Impotence Specialist’s Location, Insurance, and More

Accessibility factors into your choice of specialists, too. Your doctor’s office should be a reasonable driving distance from your home and workplace, or be reachable by public transportation. Do the doctor’s office hours align with your availability, and how easy is it to get an appointment? It’s also important to check with the office staff and your health insurance carrier to see if your doctor accepts your insurance and consider what out-of-pocket costs you may have.

4. Arrange an In-office Consultation with Your Impotence Specialist of Choice

Request an appointment with the doctor who tops your list of possible choices. Before this appointment, we encourage you to compile a list of symptoms and questions to ask the doctor regarding your potential treatments. Your specialist should be friendly but respectful as you discuss your concerns.

Sources:

Medical News

Cedars Sinai

HIMS

Sex Life Therapy

AAFP

Very Well Health

Healthline

Mayo Clinic

Meetup

Mount Sinai

Good Rx

EMedicine Health

Numan

WebMD

My Health Alberta

Medical News Today

Uro Phoenix

Cleveland Clinic

Cloud Nine Care