Men's Health

Impotence and Loss of Libido

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It might be helpful to know that many men, especially as they age, have problems with impotence (erectile dysfunction) or loss of libido (reduced or lost interest in sex). Some men also have problems with ejaculation, while others actually have a condition that causes their testicles fail to make the normal amount of testosterone.

Many things can cause impotence, including having atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), high blood pressure, diabetes, depression and other mental illnesses, pelvic surgery, kidney failure, multiple sclerosis, stroke, some types of epilepsy, and alcoholism. Some men who take medicines for heart disease or drugs that can affect the central nervous system, such as hormonal medicines or heroin and cocaine, are at-risk for impotence.

Loss of libido (reduced or lost interest in sex) also can occur at different points in a man's life. It can happen for many reasons, including stress, illness, medications, emotional problems, and reduced levels of male sex hormones. Also, uneven sexual desire, at times, between you and your partner is normal and inevitable in long-term relationships. It is how you handle these challenges that makes the difference.

Additional Information on Impotence and Loss of Libido:

Publications

1.   Erectile Dysfunction - Erectile dysfunction (ED), sometimes called "impotence," is the repeated inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. This brochure describes the diagnosis, treatment, and research taking place for ED.

   http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/impotence/index.htm

2. Cancer Treatment's Effects on Male Sexuality (Copyright © ACS) - Both men and women often lose interest in sex during cancer treatment, at least for a time. This publication explores the effects that cancer treatment can have on men and their sex lives, and discusses options that men and their partners can employ to reclaim enjoyment and fertility.

   http://www.cancer.org/docroot/mit/content/mit_7_2x_cancer_treatments_effects_on_...

3. Erectile dysfunction topics and tools (Copyright © MFMER) - This web page links to articles and answers to frequently asked questions about erectile dysfunction from Mayo Clinic.

   http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/erectile-dysfunction/MC00050

4. Male Sexual Dysfunction (Copyright © JAMA) - This patient page is a publication offered by the Journal of the American Medical Association that provides individuals a brief overview of male sexual dysfunction. The page describes the cause, diagnosis, and treatment of male sexual dysfunction, and provides additional links to articles covering the clinical aspects.

   http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/291/24/3076

5. Male Sexual Problems (Copyright © AAMFT) - This publication discusses male sexual dysfunction, what it is, what causes it, and how to seek treatment.

   http://www.aamft.org/families/Consumer_Updates/MaleSexualProblems.asp

6. Penile implants — What to expect and how to prepare (Copyright © MFMER) - Penile implants can restore erectile function. Explore your choices and find out what to expect from this procedure.

   http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/penile-implants/MC00056

7. Sex after 50: How to hold onto the passion (Copyright © MFMER) - Understanding the physical changes you and your partner will go through as you age can help you prepare for some of the challenges of maintaining sexual intimacy.

   http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sexual-health/HA00035

Organizations

1.   National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, NIDDK, NIH, HHS
2. Hormone Foundation
3. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

= Indicates Federal Resources

Current as of June 2007