It is estimated that as many as 50 million men across the USA and in Europe suffer from erectile dysfunction. The number of cases seems to have risen quite dramatically over the past few years but researchers admit that may be due to the fact that more men are willing to discuss the issue with their doctors and seek treatment than they were in the past, thanks to the advent of drugs like Viagara advertisements for which put the topic more squarely in the public eye and removed some of the shame and stigma attached to erectile dysfunction (remember Bob Dole’s commercial for Viagra several years back?)

Put in the most basic of terms erectile dysfunction is defined as the inability to achieve an erection and/or maintain it long enough to complete intercourse. There are a number of reasons that men begin experiencing these difficulties. Stress, recreational or prescription drug use, excessive alcohol consumption and injuries to the spine or pelvis can all lead to erectile dysfunction.

The difficulty is that once a man has suffered from an episode of erectile dysfunction once or twice often his confidence in his sexual prowess is shattered and the situation is worsened as he now also adds “performance anxiety” to the potential reasons for the problem to continue to occur. Erectile dysfunction can also put considerable strain on an intimate relationship on the whole, as many women become distressed as they often think that their partner’s erectile dysfunction may indicate that he no longer finds her attractive or desirable.

For many men plucking up the courage to discuss their erectile dysfunction with their physician is the hardest part. However most doctors are used to dealing with the problem and are far from judgmental or demeaning when discussing the problem.

Men suffering from erectile dysfunction should also take the time to have a frank discussion about their problem with their intimate partner. A great deal of stress can be taken from the situation if the other party understands that the problem is not related in any way to their desirability.

There are of course now a number of drugs available that can help a great deal, either by prescription or there are herbal remedies available over the counter that for some people prove very effective. Non medication treatment options can involve the use of a “penis pump”, a vacuum device that pumps the penis full of the blood needed to achieve an erection and then maintains it by use of a snug fitting ring affixed to the base of the penis that is worn for the duration of intercourse.