Information » Health » Sexual Health » Impotence

• Impotence or Erectile Dysfunction (EF) is when a man cannot achieve or sustain an erection for sexual intercourse
  
• It can be caused by physical and psychological problems
  
• Physical causes could include diabetes, thyroid problems, high blood pressure, heavy smoking and some medication
  
• Psychological causes can include depression, stress, relationship worries or sexual worries like anxiety about using a condom
  
• To reduce the risk of EF, avoid smoking, excessive drinking, have a healthy diet and take regular exercise
  
• If your reasons are psychological, try talking to your partner or a sexual counsellor
  
• Don’t be embarrassed to talk - EF persistently affects over 5 million men in the UK so you are not the only one and there are ways to treat the problem
  
• There are treatments available including vacuum pumps, penile implants, intra-urethral pellet therapy and most recently oral medication