There is not a guy in this world that has never had problems such as "getting it up" and/or "coming too fast" at least a few times in his life. According to the National Health & Social Life Survey, about 10% and 30% of men live with erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation respectively.

Sexual dysfunction affects both men and women. In men it covers a whole range of difficulties encounter during sexual intercourse and other problems that affect sex drive. This includes the ability to achieve and/or maintain erection, premature ejaculation and the capability to get orgasm.

Possible causes of inability to achieve and maintain an erection are disorders that narrow the arteries and decrease blood flow, for example diabetes. Abnormalities in the veins of the penis, nerve damage, hormonal disturbances and some drugs (such as those prescribed for high blood pressure) can interfere with the ability to have an erection.

Decreased libido (sex drive) can also affect erection. Causes of lower sex drive can be due to depression, physical illness, work-related or life stress and certain medications (anti depressants).

As for possible treatment, some doctors will prescribe drugs with the most popular one starts with a "V". All these drugs work by allowing more blood tom flow into the genitals, helping to keep erection longer. But these drugs may not be suitable for people with heart problems. These people are likely to take medicines that treat heart attacks or chest pains and such medicines open up the veins of the heart. Mixing up of two kinds of drugs (for treating erection and heart attacks) can have undesirable effect on the body.

Alternative way is to use a vacuum pump device that forms a seal around the sexual organ and acting as a kind of air suction to help in maintaining erection. Another method requires surgery to install a small balloon into the sexual organ which is then pumped up with air just before intercourse. One most important that need to bear in mind, is before resorting to drugs, it is best to go to the doctor to check out your heart, because erectile dysfunction is a strong predictor of fatal heart ailments.

Additional ways to cope with erection problems are exercises, weight control, cutting down on smoking and drinking, a diet tilts towards more fruits and vegetables and mixing cayenne pepper with either raw garlic or ginseng tea.

Other studies indicate relationships problems also contribute greatly to erectile dysfunction (ED). Partners who cannot agree with each other on sex-related issues, anger and/or boredom with partner, extra-marital affairs, lack of communication and trust, power struggle and performance anxiety all can result in ED.

Enhancing relationships through therapy, role-playing, improving communication, building up the emotional connection and intimacy can provide benefits when ED is not due to medical cause. Couples must also learn to pay attention to each others needs. When out of bed, both partners can do the things that make him/her feels sexy, cherished and desired. This includes greater eye contact, touching, sexy talk, telling how her how much you love her, her character and her cheerfulness, doing something extraordinary, doing things together, buying each other sentimental gifts.

When in bed, both partners can take the time to find out each others pleasure points, how each other likes to be touched and what each partner finds pleasurable. This can help couples to tune into each others sexual side, which can increase emotional intimacy and sexual confidence that comes from greater awareness of each others needs.

Premature ejaculation (PE) occurs when ejaculation happens before or shortly after penetration. Many experts believe this is probably a result of anxiety about sex and whether they are performing correctly. But there are many suspected causes and research continues to dig deeper into factors that may influence PE.

Behavior modification therapy can help to treat PE. The therapist besides giving reassurance will explain the possible causes of PE and suggest ways to delay ejaculation. The Squeeze Technique use during lovemaking is another way couples can use to last longer in bed. Either you or you ask your partner to squeeze the tip of your sexual organ just before climax. This will force some blood out of your genitals and reduces the erection.