Male impotence is a relatively common problem. Millions of men are embarrassed to admit they have such a problem and even more reluctant to seek treatment.
Many diseases predispose men to impotence.
These include diabetes, surgery or radiation for prostate cancer, spinal cord injuries or atherosclerosis. In the past, some treatments involved injections into the penis, implantable surgical devices, vacuum devices or penile suppositories. A new treatment now allows men with erectile dysfunction to take a pill to enhance response to sexual stimulation. In many cases, this will lead to an erection. Unlike other treatments for impotence that directly cause erections, Viagra affects chemicals released with sexual stimulation that cause blood flow to the penis by relaxation of smooth muscles.