Ask Renée: Viagra didn’t work

Dear HOPE,
What do you do when you get a flat tire? Puncture the other three? Light the whole thing on fire and drive it off a cliff? Some things are worth a dramatic pyrotechnic finale but before you go buying gasoline in bulk, let’s slow it down and start by changing the tire.

I get it: intimate sex-talk with your doctor doesn’t weigh in on your list of romantic preludes. But while you turn this minor embarrassment into Molehill Mountain, you may be missing out on some great, medically-aided lovemaking. Talking with your doctor needn’t be a heavy heart-to-heart; it’s a straightforward medical discussion about stiffening the sails. Grit your teeth and keep your eyes on the prize – a reliably functioning erection to enjoy forevermore.

Talking with your doctor needn’t be a heavy heart-to-heart; it’s a straightforward medical discussion about stiffening the sails.

But if reservations in talking with your doc are more about feeling hopeless after a less than successful bout with Viagra, know this: science has come a long way, baby. Viagra works for roughly 60% of men and may work for you now even if it hasn’t in the past. But hey, that’s not your only option. There’s a treasure-trove of pills, pumps and injections now. In short: science is working hard on getting you hard but you have to do your part. Talk to your doc and don’t give up on getting it up.