The best definition of Erectile Dysfunction is “the persistent inability to attain and/or maintain erection adequate to permit satisfactory sexual intercourse”.

Erectile dysfunction, also called impotence, can affect men of all ages, although it is much more common among older men. It is normal for men to occasionally experience erectile dysfunction. However, if the problem becomes chronic, it can have adverse effects on relationships, emotional health, and self-esteem. Erectile dysfunction may also be a symptom of an underlying health condition.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) or male impotence is also defined as the inability of a man to achieve and maintain an erection sufficient for mutually satisfactory intercourse with his partner.

Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

• Psychological causes of erectile dysfunction include anxiety, depression, stress, and problems in relationships.
• Lifestyle factors that increase risk for erectile dysfunction include smoking, alcohol use, and other substance abuse.
• Physical causes may include heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, neurological disease, and other health conditions. Some of the medications used to treat these conditions can also cause erectile dysfunction.

Risk Factors

More than 18 million American men over age 20 have erectile dysfunction, and about 600,000 men age 40 – 70 experience erectile dysfunction to some degree each year.

Severe erectile dysfunction often has more to do with disease than age itself. In particular, older men are more likely to have heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure than younger men. Such conditions and some of their treatments are major risk factors for erectile dysfunction. Smoking and obesity are also prime risk factors for ED.

Many physical and psychological situations can cause erectile dysfunction, and brief periods of impotence are normal. Every man experiences erectile dysfunction from time to time.

Emotional Disorders Associated with Erectile Dysfunction

– Anxiety
– Depression
– Problems in Relationships
– Smoking
– Alcohol
– Lack of Frequent Erections
– Physical Causes

The following conditions are highly associated with erectile dysfunction:

• Heart Disease
• High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Metabolic Syndrome
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
• Neurologic Conditions
• Endocrinologic and Hormonal Conditions
• Physical Trauma and Injury
• Surgery
• Medications
• Other Problems in Sexual Function
• Premature Ejaculation.
• Peyronie’s Disease.
• Priapism.

What can be done?

Diet.
Everyone should eat a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and fiber and low in saturated fats and sodium. Because erectile dysfunction may be related to circulation problems, diets that benefit the heart are especially important.
Foods that some people claim to have qualities that enhance sexual drive include chilies, chocolate, scallops, oysters, olives, and anchovies. No hard evidence exists for these claims.

Exercise.
A regular exercise program can be helpful.

Alcohol and Smoking.
Men who drink alcohol should do so in moderation.

• Quitting smoking is essential.
• Stay Sexually Active
• Change or Reduce Medications
• Psychotherapy and Behavioral Therapy
• Testosterone Replacement Therapy
• Vascular Surgery

Treatment
There are many ways to treat the problem but herbal treatment being the easiest and the most effective. Many herbs for men’s sexual health are available in the market today. Among them, very promising herbs are Yohimbe, Pistacia Lentiscus, Damiana, Horny Goat Weed, Ginkgo Biloba, Avena Sativa, Myrtus Caryophyllus, Siberian Ginseng, Saw Palmetto and Tribulus Terristris.Taken regularly; these herbs have been proven by many scientific medical studies to help men overcome impotence without side effects. Moreover, the scientifically processed herbs help boost sex drive, increase stamina and control, and even improve sensation.