IMPOTENCE AND ITS NONSURGICAL MANAGEMENT

Impotence is a common symptom which can cause considerable distress to both the sufferer and his partner. The use of pharmacotherapy to impr ove erectile function will continue to increase as safe and effective drugs are developed. However, restoring erectile function should not b e the only treatment objective. It is also essential to address person al and emotional factors in the sufferer, conflicts in his relationshi p with his partner, and sexual problems in his partner, all of which m ay be instrumental in causing or maintaining the presenting impotence. We advocate a combined approach with appropriate medical treatment an d sex and couple therapy.