See doctor about bedroom issue

Dear Dr. Gott: I am 50 and was diagnosed six months ago with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation for which I was treated with Toprol. I use Tambocor as needed for an irregular pulse.

My problem is increasingly severe erectile dysfunction. I can no longer perform. I asked my doctor about Viagra, and he said it was out of the question because of the medications I am taking. Is my situation hopeless?

Dear Reader: Many medications cause erectile dysfunction. I cannot predict which of yours is to blame; either may be at fault.

I suggest that you address this problem with your cardiologist. Perhaps he might be willing to stop either (or both) drugs to see if your abilities improve. Or maybe a change in drugs is appropriate. I am not aware that Viagra is contraindicated in the presence of your Toprol (a beta-blocker), so maybe you could use Viagra during the periods that you don’t need Tambocor.

Finally, although you don’t mention Coumadin as part of your daily routine, I hope you are taking the drug to prevent blood clots and stroke.

If the suggestions I made are not appropriate in your case, I think that you should be referred to a urologist for further advice.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Erectile Dysfunction.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Dear Dr. Gott: I am 80 years old and have early prostate cancer. My problem is that I urinate eight to 10 times every 12 hours. Am I depleting my potassium level?

Dear Reader: No, you’re not.

Your kidneys will retain whatever potassium you need, so the pattern of urination is inconsequential with respect to mineral maintenance.

Second, your urinary frequency may not be accurately reflecting your urinary volume. As we get older, we men tend to develop problems emptying the bladder completely. Also, we may suffer from overactive bladder, causing urgency and frequent small-volume urination.

In my view, you should most properly address this issue with your urologist who may suggest that you take medication (Ditropan and others) to counteract bladder spasm. In any case, I do not believe that you risk potassium deficiency unless you are taking a diuretic kidney stimulant that can wash potassium out of your system. Your urologist can advise you.