Erections can fail as a result of medical conditions that interfere with sexual interest, the flow of nerve impulses to the penis, or the health of the blood vessels supplying the penis itself. Impotence occurs frequently in our population. At least 10 million adult American men are thought to be impotent. Impotence occurs in men of all ages, but occurs with greater frequency in men as they age from 45 to 95. Most of these treatments are nonsurgical in nature.
Impotence usually starts with a reduction in the quality or duration of erections for intercourse.
This is usually followed by an inability to get a full erection, and may progress to no erection at all. Normally, the interest in sex and the ability to ejaculate still exist. Hypogonadism may occur with testicular damage, aging, a variety of medical disorders, and when taking various medications. This condition is most often associated with medical illnesses such as diabetes, nerve disorders, surgical procedures to the pelvic area, spinal cord injury, and various medications. Newly developed premature ejaculation is often an early warning sign for the development of impotence.