Q: I am 29 years old. I have been married for the past 1 year. On the wedding night I tried having intercourse with my wife. But I could not succeed since I lost my erection after a certain time. I then consulted a doctor who asked me to get some lipid profile tests done. In the test report it was found that my cholesterol level in the blood was 285, which was far higher from the normal (180). The doctor said that I had physical cause of impotence i.e. high cholesterol. He suggested that I should start jogging daily, be on fat free diet and prescribed me a medicine named Atocor 10 (Lipitor) Atorvastatin. He also told me to reduce my weight. He prescribed me Sildenafil 50 mg to be taken 1 hour before intercourse. After taking all these steps I enjoyed intercourse with my wife. We now have a daughter. I get my tests done every month. The readings are OK now. But I am still taking viagra before intercourse. I do not get proper erection without it. Doctor told me that till the time I don't get my cholesterol levels to normal without taking lipitor I won't be able to solve my erection problems. Is the doctor giving me the right treatment? For how long do I have to continue taking viagra?

A:Although it is preferable to strive to have a fulfilling life at home and at work through daily activities that improve health and vigour, it is sometimes advisable to boost performance and function with the use of prescribed drugs. The first objective can be met through ayurvedic practices (diet, exercise, meditation, herbs), while the second option might include allopathic prescriptions that offer the advantage of a high level of safety that can persist despite continuous use over a prolonged period of time, and this safety and benefit may last for decades as far as one can judge from experience over the past few years.