Erectile Dysfunction is a sexual dysfunction defined by the inability to get or maintain an erection. Most men suffer from erectile dysfunction at one time in their life or another, either temporarily or long-term. In fact, according to a recent National Health and Nutrition Examinational Survey (NHANES), 1 in 5 men will experience erectile difficulty sometime in their life - that’s 20% of all men! The dysfunction becomes even more common with age. While not a matter of life and death, it can cause severe damage to a man’s self-esteem, and may negatively affect his relationships with his partner.

There are two categories of erectile dysfunction - physiological or psychological. The easiest way to determine what kind of factors are to blame, think about what kind of problem you are experiencing. If you are able to get a hard-on sometimes, such as via masturbation, or if you can’t maintain erection, then chances are that your problem is psychological. If there is no erection ever, then it may be a symptom of a medical condition.

There are a numbers of medical conditions which may cause erectile dysfunction. A few include vascular diseases which harden the arteries, diabetes, radiation, and some prescription drugs. In this case it is vital to talk to your doctor.

A healthy lifestyle will help you maintain control. Eat right and exercise regularly. The Harvard Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS) discovered that men who exercise three to five times a week are 30% less likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction. Smoking and drinking can also cause sexual dysfunction, so cut down on both, or preferably eliminate them altogether.

It’s far more common for the cause to be psychological. In our high-stress times, it’s difficult to focus on the tasks at hand. Stress, worry, guilt - all these and more negative feelings take us away from the moment. A registered sex therapist can help you discover the root of the problem, and is trained in how to deal with any issues that are to blame.

Some men go to extreme measures to solve their erectile problems. There is medication, implants, pumps, and injections, to name a few. All of these carry serious side effects and pain or discomfort, with only temporary results.