An estimated 10 to 20 million American men suffer from impotence - defined as the inability to attain or maintain an erection. In the overwhelming majority of cases, impotence is caused by physiological reasons including heart disease, certain drugs, alcohol and tobacco, diabetes , prostate disorders, stress and depression . Male potency is dependent on adequate nutrition, which plays a major role in determining virility. For example, since semen is rich in zinc, if a zinc deficiency exists, a man's body appears to respond by reducing sexual drive as a way to hold on to this important trace mineral. Current estimates suggest about six percent of men between the ages of 15 and 50 are infertile.
Infertility is defined as a lack of conception after one year of unprotected intercourse.
Hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, anatomic problems and various diseases are often to blame. In the United States, it is estimated that as many as 15 percent of couples have difficulty conceiving a child. In about one-third of these cases, the man is responsible. In another third the female is responsible. In the remaining third both parties are responsible.