We hear about erectile dysfunction a lot lately. Of course, not as frequently as it was a decade ago when the first ED drugs were introduced to the market. But still, the topic has certainly drifted towards a more open discussion since the condition become treatable. Nowadays, it's quite common to read about erectile dysfunction not only in a specialized medicine magazine but in popular men's magazine or to watch discussion on talk shows. Sure, it's only for the better that the problem has received such a broad coverage and is no longer a taboo. But do men really know what erectile dysfunction is? Or they are just taking pills to treat a condition they don't know much about?

Erectile dysfunction for a very long time has been associated with age. It's true, older men have higher rates of developing this condition than younger peers, so there was always a logic assumption that ED is an age-related condition such as many other health problems that develop as the person gets older. However, there are many males in their 30's and even 20's who develop this condition as well, so the reason should be other than age. Numerous studies on the nature of male impotence undertaken at the dawn of ED medication development have found the actual causes behind this condition. And the results have surprised many specialists, because it turns out that erection is quite a sensitive process and can be affected by a wide range of health conditions that are diagnosed in millions of men.

The researchers have gone even further to declare that erectile dysfunction isn't a health condition on its own, since it never takes place in a healthy person. It's is rather a symptom of an underlying medical condition that the patient may be unaware of at the moment. But there are always health factors that cause the manifestation of erectile dysfunction in the body.

Many men mistake having occasional problems with erections with impotence. Fact is that any man, no matter how old or healthy he is, experiences occasional problems with erection at different stages of his life. There are numerous factors involved in the process of erection and if something goes wrong then it can be spoiled completely. Having such mishaps from time to time doesn't mean that you need to ask your doctor for a Levitra prescription. It's perfectly normal and healthy, so you shouldn't be concerned with such occasional erectile problems.

Erectile dysfunction is medically described as the inability to obtain or sustain an erection strong and long enough to perform penetrative sex and ejaculate in more than 25% of attempts for a period of at least 3 months. That's quite more often than having a weak erection from time to time or after taking a good drink before going to the bedroom. However, in case your personal statistics fall into the medical definition you shouldn't be worried or start taking drugs like Levitra on your own. Let your doctor come up with the final diagnosis and propose treatment options that will suit best your personal situation. Only a professional healthcare provider knows what will work best, so do try treating yourself without medical supervision.