An American car mechanic developed one of the early treatments for impotence, the vacuum pump. Although it solved the problem, for many it created a new one since it was so inconvenient to use. However, with the advent of newer drug treatment, this is less often the option chosen by men. Over the past few years drugs have successfully helped men to overcome their situation. Many men have used injections given into the side of the penis or tiny pellets placed into the urethra.
More tablet treatments are currently in development, as is a nasal-spray.
For those who prefer a more natural approach, the list of natural remedies is long, and each comes with reports of varying success rates. The more well known of these include ginkgo biloba, which is said to improve the circulation, and ginseng, which for centuries has been said to stimulate many different areas of the body. One lesser-known herbal treatment does, however, appear to have proved itself in clinical trials. For a list of other articles written exclusively for BBC Health visit our Features' Index page. The BBC is not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites.