Frequently Asked Questions

What is impotence?

Impotence is also known as weak erections or erectile dysfunction. Impotence means a man is not able to have an erection firm enough, nor can he maintain it for a long enough time, to have successful sexual intercourse. Many men experience short episodes of impotence. Temporary impotence can be caused by stress, or drinking too much alcohol. But overall, between 10% and 30% of men of all ages will be unable to have an erection firm enough for successful sexual intercourse on a regular or recurring basis. Nearly all men will experience the problem at some stage in their lives, and the incidence of impotence also increases with age..

Is an impotent man infertile?

No! impotence is not the same as infertility. An infertile man does not produce enough effective sperm to conceive. An impotent man can be perfectly fertile, so being impotent does not mean a man cannot have children. Often impotence is much easier to treat than infertility.

Can impotence be prevented?

In some cases, yes. Sharing the burden, by talking about your anger, fear and worries with your partner or doctor can alleviate much of the stress associated with psychological impotence. Problems with physical impotence may be minimized by following a prudent diet, avoiding excessive use of alcohol and cutting back on smoking. Diabetes must be kept under tight control. This means keeping blood sugar levels within normal ranges as much as possible.

When should I see a doctor about impotence?

Most men experience impotence at some time in their lives as a result of stress, fatigue, or excessive alcohol consumption. This temporary impotence is generally no cause for serious concern. However, persistent impotence can often be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. So, if the situation persists or interferes with normal sexual activity, consult a physician who treats impotence frequently.

I’m 72 years of age. Am I too old to benefit from today’s treatments for impotence?

No. That’s one of the biggest myths about impotence. With today’s treatment options, you’re never too old to enjoy the pleasures of sex. Almost any man can overcome impotence.

I’ve read that impotence is often “just in a man’s head.” Is that true?

The fact is, clinical studies prove that up to 85% of impotence cases are physical in nature, not psychological. So it isn’t “just in your head.” Impotence is caused by a variety of reasons and can almost always be successfully treated by a doctor.

What can a man do to reduce the risk of impotence?

Living a healthy life can be good for your sex life.Avoid cigarettes, eating high-fat foods, or drinking excessive alcohol, because they can significantly increase the likelihood for impotence. In some cases, impotence can be related to high blood pressure, diabetes, or other diseases. Visting a doctor regularly will help you identify these problems.

How can a couple work together to overcome impotence?

In order to appropriately treat impotence and strengthen a healthy and nurturing relationship, a couple needs to communicate openly and honestly with each other. Most importantly, a couple needs to confront any concerns they have about impotence by discussing their feelings and assuring each other that they still care. A couple needs to maintain this communication throughout the treatment process.

I’ve tried one treatment for impotence, and it didn’t work for me. Does that mean other treatments won’t work for me either?

Absolutely not. Impotence treatments work in different ways. If you’re not happy with your current impotence treatment, there are a variety of treatment options you should consider. Remember, impotence can almost always be successfully treated no matter what your age or the cause of your impotence.

I’m interested in seeking treatment. What’s my next step?

Call Mens Clinic International – South Africa: 0860 362 867.
(Dial +27 11 884-0617 if outside South Africa) or go to the contact us page.