Impotence Health Article

Alternative treatment

A number of herbs have been promoted for treating impotence. The most widely touted herbs for this purpose are Coryanthe yohimbe (available by prescription as yohimbine, with the trade name Yocon) and gingko (Gingko biloba), although neither has been conclusively shown to help the condition in controlled studies. In addition, gingko carries some risk of abnormal blood clotting and should be avoided by men taking such blood thinners as coumadin. Other herbs promoted for treating impotence include true unicorn root (Aletrius farinosa), saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), ginseng (Panax ginseng), and Siberian ginseng (Eleuthrococcus senticosus). Strychnos Nux vomica has been recommended, especially when impotence is caused by excessive alcohol, cigarettes, or dietary indiscretions, but it can be very toxic if taken improperly, so it should be used only under the strict supervision of a physician trained in its use.

Prognosis

With proper diagnosis, impotence can nearly always be treated or managed successfully. Unfortunately, fewer than 10% of impotent men seek treatment.

Prevention

There is no specific treatment to prevent impotence. Perhaps the most important measure is to maintain general good health and avoid atherosclerosis by exercising regularly, controlling weight, controlling hypertension and high cholesterol levels, and avoiding smoking. Avoiding excessive alcohol intake may also help.

BOOKS

Ryan, George. Reclaiming Male Sexuality: A Guide to Potency, Vitality, and Prowess. New York: M. Evans and Company, 1997.

PERIODICALS

"American Urologic Association Issues Treatment Guidelines for Erectile Failure." American Family Physician (April 1997): 1967-69.

Burnett, Arthur L. "Erectile Dysfunction: A Practical Approach to Primary Care." Geriatrics (February 1998): 36-42.

Cowley, Geoffrey. "Looking Beyond Viagra." Newsweek (April 24, 2000): 77.

Leland, John and Andrew Murr. "A Pill for Impotence?" Newsweek (November 17, 1997): 62-67.

Young, Melinda G. "A Novel Strategy for Individualizing Erectile Dysfunction Treatment." Patient Care (Jan. 30, 2000):91.

ORGANIZATIONS

American Foundation for Urologic Disease. 1128 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. (410) 468-1800.

Impotence Institute of America, Impotents Anonymous. 10400 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 485, Columbia, MD 21044-3502. (800) 669-1603.

National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearing-house. 3 Information Way, Bethesda, MD 20892-3580.(800) 891-5390.

Ken R. Wells

KEY TERMS

Alprostadil—A smooth muscle relaxant sometimes injected into the penis or applied to the urethral opening to treat impotence.

Atherosclerosis—A disorder in which plaques of cholesterol, lipids, and other debris build up on the inner walls of arteries, narrowing them.

Corpora cavernosa—Rods of spongy tissue found within the penis, which become engorged with blood in order to produce an erection. (The singular form of this term is corpus cavernosum.)

Neurotransmitters—Chemicals that modify or help transmit impulses between nerve synapses.

Papaverine—A smooth muscle relaxant sometimes injected into the penis as a treatment for impotence.

Peyronie's disease—A disease resulting from scarring of the corpora cavernosa, causing painful erections.

Urethra—The small tube that drains urine from the bladder, as well as serving as a conduit for semen during ejaculation.

Viagra—An orally administered drug for erectile failure first cleared for marketing in the United States in March 1998.