As many as one in eight American men have problems with impotence. Fortunately, new breakthroughs in understanding impotence are now making it possible for millions of couples to enjoy healthy sex lives into their senior years. The following ten tips may help identify and even prevent impotence:

1. Recognize the normal signs of aging

   Remember that quantity and quality are not the same. Sexual relations at 60 may be better than at age 20. You've learned more about the pleasures you enjoy in life, and you may have a partner who wants to continue sharing that aspect of your relationship.

2. Beware of medications that cause impotence

   Over 100 medications have impotence as a side effect. These common prescriptions include tranquilizers, medication for high blood pressure and ulcers.

3. Avoid Tobacco

   Tobacco is a performance-zapper because its affect on blood vessels can decrease blood flow to the pelvis. This interferes with the mechanism of erection.

4. Drink in moderation

   Alcohol may make you feel at ease, but performance suffers. What relaxes you mentally, may inhibit you physically.

5. Timing can be everything

   Sexual performance is influenced by body rhythms. Even hormonal levels can vary at different times of the day. It's important to find the time of day or evening that is best, both mentally and physically, for you and your partner.

6. Accept occasional failure

   One episode of impotence, even if it lasts for weeks at a time, does not mean that a man is permanently impotent. Stress and fatigue, and the anticipation of failure, can hurt your sex life. Accept occasional impotence as something that happens to every man at different times in his life.

7. Don't be surprised if impotence is due to a physical problem

   Make sure that your problem with impotence is not related to physical disease, as many common diseases cause impotence. Diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney and liver disease, nerve problems and hormonal deficiencies are often at the root of the problem. At least 50% of all cases of impotence are due to physical disease and not psychological problems. Your regular physician or urologist can easily check for these conditions.

8. Balanced nutrition is important for sexual function

   The American Heart Association states that a low fat and low cholesterol diet prevents heart disease and arteriosclerosis. The latter is one of the most common causes of impotence.

9. Avoid excess stress

   Excessive, long-term stress is "counter-erotic" and affects both the desire and capability to have a happy sexual relationship.

10. Get Help

    Persistent, chronic impotence needs medical attention before it interferes with relationships and self-esteem. For men and women, this means learning more about the problem.