It would be easy to be flippant about the importance of impotency but to many Third Agers, and others, this is a very delicate subject which can cause embarrassment and stress.

Amazingly, it is said, that over 40 per cent of men will suffer impotency at some point in their lives. The causes are many and varied, including smoking, blood pressure, excessive alcohol consumption and diabetes.

But it’s not all bad news if it happens to you because in the vast majority of cases the symptoms are a mix of physical and psychological. In the last few years there have been major advances in the treatment of impotence and the majority of cases can now be treated successfully.

The stress of modern living and physical or psychological elements can be a lethal cocktail which often causes temporary impotence, and most cases are temporary.

Talk to your partner about it using the theory that a problem shared is a problem halved. It would be very wrong to try and second guess what is causing your particular problem so, if it persists, see a GP and you will be surprised at the array of options available.

Unless you have been in a cupboard for the past few years you will have heard of Viagra. It is not a miracle cure and sexual stimulation is still needed for it to have an effect, but it has been the salvation of many impotency sufferers who thought their love lives had ended. Many natural, homeopathic remedies can now be purchased off the shelves of health food shops, and, if they work for you, fine. But like their patent medical counterparts they don’t work like aphrodisiacs, so don’t stand there waiting for a miracle to happen, it’s not spinach!

Let us not over simplify impotence because for a handful it can be a problem which may require injections, minor surgery or a prosthetic. There are cases where impotence can be caused by low levels of the male hormone testosterone which can be prescribed. One loud warning here though, do not try to dose yourself up on testosterone without seeking medical advice.

Heavy smoking, excess alcohol, work related stress, side effects of prescribed drugs, whatever is the underlying cause of your impotence, make sure you have professional advice at all stages.

Editor, Third Age.