The characteristic symptom of impotence is a change in the quality of the erection, either in rigidity, in the ability to sustain the erection, or both. One indicator of physical impotence, as opposed to psychological, is the inability to experience or maintain an erection upon waking up in the morning. Also, with psychological impotence, a man may be able to have an erection in some circumstances, but not in others. Impotence is not life threatening, of course. It can be symptomatic, however, of other serious problems, such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, and hypertension.
Psychological factors related to impotence can be significant.
Erectile dysfunction can have a devastating effect on a relationship and can cause extreme depression, which may become chronic if the erectile dysfunction is not treated. All rights reserved.