Erectile dysfunction is the inability to get an erection good enough for leading satisfactory sexual life. Erectile dysfunction (it is sometimes called impotence although some people differentiate these two definitions) is more often among men who are over 65 but actually it can occur at any age.

Erectile dysfunction treatment is needed only if the inability to get and maintain erection is recurrent. The fact is that most men are unable to perform sexual activity from time to time due to bad mood, tiredness, stress, etc.

Erectile dysfunction symptoms include:

• Recurring inability to get a full erection
• Inability to maintain the erection throughout the sexual intercourse
• Complete inability to get an erection

Erectile dysfunction may be cause by various factors. During erectile dysfunction diagnosis you will need to undergo several tests to identify the reason and then the professional will prescribe you an erectile dysfunction treatment course according to the factor that caused impotence.

Erectile dysfunction is usually a sign of underlying health problems. Impotence may be caused either by physical or by nonphysical causes. Nonphysical causes that account for erectile dysfunction:

Psychological problems – stress and depression are common factors of erectile dysfunction as well as anxiety, fatigue, etc.

Negative feelings towards your partner, difficulties in communication, lack of interest in your partner

Physical causes of erectile dysfunction:
In fact any other disease that influences nervous and vascular system can affect your erectile function. Nerves and blood vessels are responsible for blood supply to the penis and the transmission of nervous impulses from the brain to the body and back. Therefore any damages to nervous and vascular systems may result in erectile dysfunction. The most common factors of erectile dysfunction include:

• Cardiovascular disorders that adversely affect the blood inflow to the penis
• Diabetes mellitus (nerve damage and changes in the blood composition)
• Surgeries for cancer of the prostate (in fact any surgeries that damage nervous can result in impotence, especially those performed on the areas close to the penis)
• Injuries to the spinal cords
• Multiple sclerosis
• Hormonal disorders (lack of male hormone testosterone often accounts for erectile dysfunction)
• Certain medication such as anticancer drugs, antidepressants, antipsychotics, etc.
• Smoking, alcoholism and drug abuse