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Impotence and Loss of Libido

Home > Men's Health Home > Sexual Health > Impotence and Loss of Libido

• Impotence
• Loss of Libido
• Additional Resources

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. Others actually have a condition that causes their testicles to fail to make the normal amount of testosterone. The good news is that treatment often can help many sexual problems.

Impotence

Many things can cause impotence, including having atherosclerosis, 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 higher risk for impotence.

Loss of Libido

Over the course of a man's life, stress, illness, medications, emotional problems, or reduced levels of male sex hormones can result in loss of libido. Also, at times, your interest and desire for sex might not match that of your partner, which is normal in long-term relationships.

Talking frankly with your partner and your doctor about sexual problems or loss of libido is the first step towards restoring sexual health.

Additional Resources

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_male_sexuality.asp?sitearea...

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. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
3. The Hormone Foundation

= Indicates Federal Resources