Men 'not tackling psychological impact' of impotence

A new study has revealed that a failure to address the mental impact of impotence exacerbates the condition, rendering Viagra useless, telegraph.co.uk reports.

Researchers at the University of Maryland Medical Centre discovered that sole reliance on the famous little blue pill was not sufficient for improving men's life satisfaction.

Analysing 40 separate clinical trials, the researchers found that while Viagra tackled the physical obstructions associated with erectile dysfunction, the 'psychological barriers still remained'. Many of the participants reported that their mental well-being had not reverted, leaving many depressed and emotionally unstable.

As with any medical condition, there are many reasons for impotence, including the effects of diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, testosterone deficiency and ageing. Contrary to popular belief, it's not confined to older men; two-fifths of men will have suffered by the age of 40.

As such, the study concluded via publication in the Journal of Sexual Medicine that the most effective treatments would 'target both physical and psychosocial aspects' - medication combined with a course of counselling, perhaps.

This counselling might cover couples therapy, as a continued dissatisfaction with relationships was also noted as an outcome of the research.

Commenting on the findings, University of Maryland Medical Centre urologist Dr Andrew Kramer was quoted by dailymail.co.uk: "It's simplistic to think that fixing an erection issue would solve relationship issues. Happiness is very complicated, and erections are just one small piece of it... a lot of couples still need additional therapy."