IMPOTENCE
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It is estimated that up to 20 million
American men frequently suffer from impotence and that it strikes up
to half of all men between the ages of 40 and 70. Doctors used to
think that most cases of impotence were psychological in origin, but
they now recognize that, at least in older men, physical causes may
play a primary role in 60% or more of all cases. In men over the age
of 60, the leading cause is atherosclerosis, or narrowing of the
arteries, which can restrict the flow of blood to the penis. Injury
or disease of the connective tissue, such as Peyronie's disease, may
prevent the corpora cavernosa from completely expanding. Damage to
the nerves of the penis, from certain types of surgery or
neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease or multiple
sclerosis, may also cause impotence. Men with diabetes are
especially at risk for impotence because of their high risk of both
atherosclerosis and a nerve disease called diabetic neuropathy.
Certain types of blood pressure medications, anti-ulcer drugs,
antihistamines, tranquilizers (especially before intercourse),
antifungals (hetoconazole), antipsychotics, antianxiety drugs, and
antidepressants, known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs,
including Prozac and Paxil), can interfere with erectile function.
Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and illicit drug use may
also contribute. In rare cases, low levels of the male hormone
testosterone may contribute to erectile failure. Finally,
psychological factors, such as stress, guilt, or anxiety, may also
play a role, even when the impotence is primarily due to organic
causes. |
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| IMPOTENCE RELATED ITEMS |
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