IMPOTENCE                                       

Impotence is a condition in which a man is unable to obtain an erection or maintain it long enough for sexual intercourse. It is a common condition, occurring in a significant percentage of our population and is often a source of great frustration to the man and his partner. The percentage increases with increasing age, with more than 50 percent of men aged sixty and over  having this problem. Fortunately it can be treated.

In about eighty percent of cases, the cause is physical. Physical causes include aging, diabetes, high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries, nerve problems, medications, alcohol and smoking, pelvic surgery and, (rarely) hormonal problems. The remainder of the causes are various psychological factors.

Impotence can affect relationships between partners if left untreated. If you are one of the men who have this problem, help is available.

The first consultation will involve a thorough history and examination. There will be some pathology testing needed and sometimes a small test dose injection of a naturally occurring substance called Prostaglandin may be administered. Information gathered at this initial consultation will help in the decision of which therapy is best for you. Your partner is encouraged to attend also.

This initial consultation will take approximately twenty five minutes. Medicare does not fully cover the cost of this type of treatment, however you can claim the majority of the amount from Medicare. In order to keep the costs of consultations as low as possible, it would be appreciated if the fee was paid at the time of consultation and you can submit the receipt to Medicare for the reimbursement amount to be forwarded to you.