The Latin term impotentia coeundi describes simple inability to insert the penis into the vagina. It is now mostly replaced by more precise terms. A urinalysis looking for RBCs, WBCs, protein, and glucose is also important. "Moreover, men who are physically inactive and had high rates of sedentary behavior, such as watching three or more hours of TV per day, were much more likely to have erectile dysfunction compared with men who were physically active," Selvin said, so, "increasing exercise may be an effective non-pharmacologic treatment." Investigate the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis by evaluating testosterone levels (a morning serum free and total testosterone level is suggested) in most patients, especially if the patient has a history of reduced libido. Other substances or drugs that can cause or lead to ED include recreational and frequently abused drugs, such as: Viagra Canadian Pharmacy In the past, erection problems were thought to be "all in the man's mind." Men often were given unhelpful advice such as "don't worry" or "just relax and it will take care of itself." Today, doctors believe that when the problem is not temporary or does not go away on its own, physical factors are often the cause. No reports on long-term use MedlinePlus Topics Despite research that supports the link between ED and heart health, your doctor may not be thinking of your heart when he’s talking to you about ED. JAMA. 1999;281:421-426. Call your doctor if you experience severe forms of these symptoms or if they do not go away after 4-8 hours. Viagra Canadian Pharmacy "Taken together, these studies show that erectile dysfunction in patients with mild to moderate chronic heart failure can be safely and effectively treated with sildenafil, provided that patients are appropriately screened before therapy," say the authors. Depression Psychological illnesses Over time, high blood pressure damages your blood vessels, which can lead to erectile dysfunction. While it’s critical to get high blood pressure under control, ED is a side effect of some blood pressure control medications for some men. Venous Leak