Do I need Viagra?

Erectile dysfunction (ED)

Q. I am in my late 30s. I got married five years ago and have sex regularly with my wife. Two months ago, I suddenly experienced some difficulties in maintaining an erection. For the first time in my entire sex life, penetration was impossible. It was rather humiliating and frustrating as we used to enjoy a healthy sexual relationship. These days we hardly have sex.

My wife said this could be due to my stress at work. Is Viagra my only option? Is this a sign of impotence? Also, will this affect my chances of becoming a father in the future?

A. Erectile dysfunction (ED) can occur to any man from the age of 40. It could be a predictor to underlying undiscovered cardiovascular problems. Hence, the main objective is for you to seek help from a physician who can check your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels and begin treatment as soon as possible.

About 40 per cent of ED cases are stress-related and the condition should improve once the stressor/s is removed. Even those cases due to organic causes (such as diabetes, heart disease etc) can have an element of stress or psychological ED. Once a person who is otherwise well fails to rise to the occasion, there will be additional stress next time because of the prior failure. A few doses of Viagra could help break the cycle and let him regain his confidence.

Suffice to say, ED should not preclude you from fathering a child. As long as you can penetrate your partner and deposit sperm in her, nature will take its course. Occasionally we do see men who are not able to consummate their marriage and hence, require some assistance. They usually do well with medications.

Ref: Y07

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