In the age of Viagra, you'd think that erectile dysfunction would be a thing of the past. Unfortunately, it's not the case. Erectile dysfunction problems still occur and millions of men worldwide still suffer from this condition.

Erectile dysfunction is also known as impotence and the very word itself does not connote pleasant things. While it's not often discussed, erectile dysfunction is fairly common - in the U.S. alone, at least 10 million men have serious erectile dysfunction problems and the number of men experiencing impotence increase with age. So how do you deal with a very private problem?

Knowing erectile dysfunction
It's normal for men to lose their erection sometimes. It is only when the erection is not sustained in order to have sex at least half of the time does the lack of fullness and hardness becomes a problem. Erectile dysfunction or ED is a condition in which erection that is sufficient for sexual penetration or satisfaction is not attained by a man. It is not the same as loss of sexual appetite, lack of orgasm or premature ejaculation.

Dealing with erectile dysfunction problems
Erectile dysfunction may be caused by different factors. Some of these factors may be psychological problems or medical problems. Stress, for example, is a common cause of erectile dysfunction. Difficulties at home or at work can cause impotence and so will certain ailments. If you're unsure of what your main problem is, here are some things you can do:


Manage or stop drug use
Erectile dysfunction problems may even be caused by drug use, whether for recreation or for treatment. Drugs such as hormones, tricyclic anti-depressants, muscle relaxants, diuretics, beta-blockers and H2 blockers are common culprits. Addictive substances may also cause problems. To solve your erectile problems, talk to your doctor about possible alternatives. If you're using recreational drugs, you might want to stop.

Manage your disease
Erectile dysfunction problems are sometimes caused by certain diseases and conditions. Diabetes mellitus is to blame for about 40% of ED problems in the U.S. while vascular diseases account for 30%. Surgeries involving the pelvis or genitals can also cause impotence and so can injuries to the spinal cord, endocrine problems and multiple sclerosis.

Use drugs and other devices
There are drugs that may be used to treat the physical problems of impotence, which may be taken orally or through injections. Sildenafil (brand name Viagra) may be prescribed and used safely, as long as you are not taking nitrates for heart problems. There are also drugs that are injected directly into the penis and produce an erection that could last about one hour.

Some devices, such as vacuum or constriction rings, can be very helpful in getting and keeping an erection. There are also implants that are inserted into the man's penis that may either be semi-rigid or inflatable, allowing more control. There are many different kinds and styles of these devices and are very useful if the erectile dysfunction problem is due to physical cause.

Get counseling
If a man has erectile dysfunction, he doesn't have to suffer in secret. Erectile dysfunction can cause a man to lose confidence and may even lead to relationship problems. Counseling, whether just for the man or with his partner, can be very helpful, especially when there is a need for reassurance for overcoming the causes. At times like these, a man will need all the support and love he needs, especially coming from his partner.