Impotence FAQs

1. What is impotence?
2. How do I know if I have impotence?
3. Can impotence cause premature ejaculation?
4. Can young men suffer from impotence?
5. What causes impotence?
6. Can medications cause impotence?
7. When should I treat impotence?
8. How can I treat impotence?
9. Can I buy impotence treatments online?
10. Do impotence medications cause side effects?

1. What is impotence?

If a man finds it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sex, this is known as impotence or erectile dysfunction. It affects a large proportion of the male population - studies show that up to 33% of men in the UK suffer from impotence at some point in their lives - and has various causes.

2. How do I know if I have impotence?

The inability to achieve an erection when sexually stimulated is a clear indication that you may be suffering from impotence. Another common symptom is a difficulty in maintaining an erection sufficient for completing intercourse. Impotence can sometimes be an indication of a more serious underlying condition, so if these symptoms occur regularly you should speak to your doctor.

3. Can impotence cause premature ejaculation?

Premature ejaculation is an entirely different condition to impotence, but the two are often confused. Premature ejaculation occurs in men who reach climax during sexual activity much sooner (sometimes under two minutes) than desired, leaving them and their partner dissatisfied. Premature ejaculation may accompany impotence but it should be treated differently. Visit our premature ejaculation page for more information.

4. Can young men suffer from impotence?

Teenagers and young men do often have difficulty in achieving and maintaining an erection. Impotence in younger men is most frequently caused by anxiety, which can stem from sexual inexperience or nerves. Stress is also an increasingly common cause.

5. What causes impotence?

The causes can be either physical or psychological. Various underlying health problems such as diabetes, hypertension, low blood pressure and heart problems can act as triggers for impotence. Psychological causes include stress, depression and anxiety. Sometimes procedures such as a vasectomy can influence a man's ability to attain an erection. Men who smoke, drink heavily or use drugs also face a higher risk of impotence.

6. Can medications cause impotence?

Men are more susceptible to impotence if they are of a certain age (40-70) and are using certain medications such as anti-depressants, diuretics, antihistamines, muscle relaxants and prostate cancer treatments. If you think a medication is causing you to suffer from this condition, don't stop taking your medication. Discuss the problem with your doctor to see whether they can provide a different type of medication or a lower dosage of your current treatment.

7. When should I treat impotence?

If you have been unable to achieve or maintain an erection on several occasions over a short period, you should consider looking into available treatments. As soon as you determine the root cause, you can begin to treat the problem in the most appropriate manner. Your doctor will usually know what's best for you to take, so avoid generic or fake medications.

8. How can I treat impotence?

Prescription medications, surgical treatment, therapy, penis extenders and pumps can all have a positive effect on your condition. Before you decide which method you want to use, or consider using a herbal treatment, you should first consult a doctor so that they can determine the cause. If the cause is purely psychological, simply discussing it with your partner may solve the problem. If you feel uncomfortable discussing the problem with your own doctor, you can take advantage of one of our free online consultations to ensure that you get the treatment you need safely.

9. Can I buy impotence treatments online?

Yes you can, but buying impotence treatment online must always be done with caution. There are many websites which sell counterfeit medications, generic Viagra or Kamagra, and many others which offer services without a prescription. These sites but the lives of patients at risk and you should never order medication from them.

HealthExpress offers a safe, secure and confidential service which complies fully with EU law. Our site has successfully been reviewed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and we dispatch medications from only registered UK pharmacies. We employ a team of registered doctors who can diagnose and prescribe medications through an online consultation. We never dispatch medication unless you are safe and suitable to take it.

10. Do impotence medications cause side effects?

Mild side effects can appear in some users of impotence medication. The most commonly reported side effects are headaches and dizziness. Less common side effects include indigestion, nasal congestion, colour blindness and increased light sensitivity. There are three different impotence medications available; our doctor can help you to choose a medication that is best suited to you.