The reality is, significant advances have been made in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. With a variety of treatment options available and many on the horizon, men no longer have to just accept this problem. Erectile dysfunction is the consistent inability for a man to achieve or maintain an erection satisfactorily for intercourse. An estimated 18 to 20 million American men suffer from some form of erectile dysfunction each year. This condition may be caused by a variety of factors including injury, illness or medication.
Evidence also suggests that difficulties with erections are more common with older men.
It is a sensitive topic and one that's not always easy to talk about, no matter what stage of life a man is in when he experiences erectile dysfunction. However, those who are able to overcome their silence and see a doctor, often are surprised and encouraged by the prognosis. Physicians now know that 80 to 90 percent of impotence is caused by physical problems, usually related to the blood supply or nerves to the penis. It's important for men suffering from erectile dysfunction to see their doctor for a comprehensive medical evaluation. Today, doctors approach the diagnosis of erectile dysfunction as they would any medical problem.