Impotence is often the first sign of an underlying medical condition. As an example, almost 60% of adult-onset diabetes is first detected via the onset of impotence.

A visit to your doctor can quickly clear up any concerns you may have. Tests for impotency generally include a thorough physical examination. The doctor will usually ask you for a full medical and sexual history, and may order an ultrasound of your pelvic and groin area, as well as blood tests, to check for any abnormalities.

The major physical impotence causes are:

• Diabetes

• Heart disease

• High blood pressure (hypertension)

• High cholesterol and poor blood circulation due to blocked arteries

• Surgery to the prostate, lower bowel or lower spine

• Liver and kidney disease

• Hormone and thyroid disorders

• Parkinson's disease

• Peyronie's Disease

• Injuries, particularly as a result of bicycle riding, horseback riding or gymnastics

Psychological Impotence Causes

Medical experts believe that psychological factors directly contribute to only 10% to 20% of impotence causes. However, men with a physical cause for impotence can often indirectly experience psychological reactions.

Psychological impotence causes include:

• Depression and anxiety disorders

• Post traumatic stress disorder

• Mental fatigue

• Psychological abuse or trauma

• Problems with sexual identity

• Relationship problems

Lifestyle Impotence Causes

Lifestyle factors are also leading impotence causes. Making positive changes to your lifestyle will not only improve your overall health, but can help you overcome problems with impotence.

Lifestyle impotence causes include:

• Smoking

• Excessive alcohol consumption

• Illicit drug abuse. In particular heroin, marijuana, cocaine and anabolic steroids

• Extreme obesity

• Lack of exercise and a sedentary lifestyle

Medications Contribute to Impotence Causes

Another of the leading impotence causes is medications. If you have impotence, it's important that you speak with your doctor about any medications you are currently taking, whether they are prescription or over-the-counter treatments.

Medications as impotence causes include:

• Antidepressants, anti-psychotics and tranquilizers

• Blood pressure drugs

• Appetite suppressants

• Antihistamines

• Beta blockers used for controlling angina and high blood pressure

Your doctor or pharmacist will also have a complete list of drugs to avoid while taking one of the oral impotency pills, such as Viagra®, Cialis® or Levitra®.

Preventing Impotence

• Lifestyle Changes

  Making changes to your lifestyle will not only improve your general health, it will improve your psychological health and can help prevent impotence problems. Reduced blood flow to the penis is one of many impotence causes. If you consider looking after your penis like you look after your heart, you'll be doing yourself a big favor.

• Diet

  Almost 60% of Americans are now considered to be obese, largely caused by poor food and lifestyle habits. Consumers are swamped with information about the latest diet fads or magic fat busting pill but medical experts are concerned that this information doesn't seem to be having the necessary impact.

  Following the basic guidelines of eating a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and fiber and low in saturated fats is a good way to begin to look after your general health.

• Exercise

  Regular exercise is not only good for your heart, it's good for your head. Surveys have shown that men who exercise regularly are less likely to suffer from stress and anxiety, as well as a range of other ailments. Exercise is also said to improve testosterone production, which improves sexual functioning.

  Staying sexually active also helps maintain good blood flow to the penis, which in turn helps overcome impotence causes.

• Kegel Exercises

  Kegel exercises help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and are commonly used by pregnant women and people who suffer from urinary incontinence. These exercises have also been found to assist men whose impotence is due to impaired blood circulation.

  To isolate the particular muscle required to perform Kegel exercises, the best method is to practice first while urinating. Begin by contracting the muscle necessary to slow or stop urination, then try to hold the contraction for 10 seconds and release. Continue this exercise until you know which muscle is involved. Once you've isolated the muscle, it's recommended you don't practice while urinating.

  You can continue contracting and releasing the muscle on a daily basis. It's recommended you perform at least 10 contractions up to 5 times daily.