When an enzyme breaks down the chemical, blood flows back out of the penis, and the erection goes away. The pill usually takes effect within an hour. Only 20 percent of the participants who received a placebo reported improvement. Lipshultz is currently comparing the effectiveness of two dosages of the medication in men above the age of 60 and in men below the age of 60. The cause of impotency can be psychological or physical, including hormonal, circulatory and neurological problems.
Urologists can determine the origin of the problem with easy, noninvasive tests.
Impotency has been treated with surgical implants and with medication that is injected into the penis or inserted through the urethra. Side effects, such as headaches, vision disturbances, nausea and diarrhea, are few. Several other oral medications are in the advanced-trials stage. As more oral medications become available, Lipshultz expects more patients to become less inhibited about seeking help for a problem that can often be treated. But the patient can't explore his treatment options until he takes the initiative to have the cause of his impotency diagnosed.