This smooth-muscle relaxation allows increased blood flow into certain areas of the penis leading to an erection. Men with impotence related to diabetes do particularly well on the new impotence pill. In clinical trials upon which approval was based, men with diabetes or radical prostate surgery had somewhat less improvement in erectile function than did other groups 9. Anti-depressants can cause impotence. Over 200 prescription drugs are known to cause impotence.
Cigarette smokers are at greater risk of impotence than nonsmokers.
Long-term use of alcohol, nicotine and drugs such as cocaine, marijuana and LSD can lead to impotence.