Also known as male impotence, erectile dysfunction is described as an inability to get and keep up an erection long and hard enough to have penetrative sex and orgasm. There may be temporary or occasional signs of erectile dysfunction, especially after abusing alcohol, drugs or going through excessive stress. And this is quite normal. Erectile dysfunction in medical terms is a long-term condition characterized by persistent erectile problems that are present in more than 25% of all attempts to enjoy sexual activity over a period of several months.

Erectile dysfunction always leads to a serious emotional impact and seriously affects the quality of life and relationships a man has. And while there's a lot of information on the subject these days, certain misconceptions still dwell in mind of men, making it a lot harder to treat the condition. Fact is that a large part of men suffering from erectile dysfunction don't make it to the doctor's office to get professional help and choose to deal with their problems alone.

In order to eliminate certain misconceptions about male impotence here are some of the most commonly asked questions and comprehensive answers that will help you learn more facts about erectile dysfunction.

Question: Does impotence mean that a man gets disinterested in sex?

Answer: In most cases men with erectile problems have the same sexual drive as men with normal erections. Only when it comes to hormonal imbalance that may be the cause for erectile dysfunction there's a decrease in sexual desire.

Question: Is impotence rare?

Answer: Male impotence is quite widespread and it's estimated that around 150 to 300 million men are diagnosed with this condition all over the world.

Question: Is erectile dysfunction a normal thing for older men?

Answer: While the risk of experiencing impotence rises with age, it's not a normal condition related to aging. It's often caused by other health problems that tend to aggravate with age. And if the overall health condition is good then a men is likely to have good erections even in his 60's and 70's.

Question: Psychological problems are the most common cause for male impotence to occur, right?

Answer: No. Erectile dysfunction is caused by psychological conditions only in about 10-20% of all cases. Usually male impotence is caused by underlying physiological problems such as heart diseases, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, different types of cancer and excessive weight. However, psychological problems are often linked to impotence itself. Signs of anxiety, depression and stress are often observed in men struggling with erectile dysfunction.

Question: Is it hard to get rid of male impotence?

Answer: Not quite. It all depends on the actual cause behind the problem. If impotence is caused by physiological factors then there are drugs like Viagra to solve the problem. In case psychological factors play an important role then drugs like Viagra won't be effective and you will need psychological therapy. It's quite rare that the problem can be solved through a typical treatment method. However, bear in mind that you will have to go to a professional doctor in order to get adequate treatment. Don't start using drugs like Viagra on your own if you don't know the exact diagnosis and the cause behind your problem. Only a professional can help you choose the right treatment option.