Millions of men experience problems with erectile dysfunction each year. In the past, erectile dysfunction (also called impotence) was regarded as an inevitable part of getting old. With the exception of certain herbal treatments and natural libido enhancers known in limited cultural areas, there was no cure for male sexual dysfunction.

Fortunately, due to medical research, it is now clear that erectile dysfunction is not just a side effect of aging; it is a physiological problem which can be treated with medications, natural remedies, and changes in personal habits.

*What is impotence?

Impotence is the lack of ability to have an erection or to maintain it for the length of time necessary to achieve ejaculation. This common problem can affect men at any age, and almost all men will experience impotence at some time.

*What causes erectile dysfunction?

There is no single cause for erectile dysfunction. Achieving an erection involves a complex series of physiological events; in order for an erection to occur, the body is required to coordinate nervous system responses with tactile sensations, emotional triggers, and signals from certain hormones. If any of these events are disrupted, impotence is likely to occur.

• Underlying health problems are responsible for an estimated 90% of erectile dysfunction cases. The following health issues are well known for leading to male impotence:

Cardiovascular disease;

Spinal injuries and surgery;

Enlarged prostate;

Radiation treatments for prostate cancer, which can cause nerve damage to the penis;

Diabetes;

Obesity;

Hormone imbalances (such as low levels of testosterone).

• The emotions are deeply involved in the ability to sustain an erection, and the following stressors play a big role in impotence problems:

Depression;

Anxiety disorders;

Performance anxiety;

Traumatic events and stressful situations;

Partner conflict.

• Other factors that may cause impotence:

Medications;

Excessive alcohol consumption;

Recreational drug use;

Smoking;

Sedentary lifestyle.

• How is erectile dysfunction diagnosed?

In order to diagnose erectile dysfunction, your doctor will ask you a variety of questions about your health, any medications you may be taking, and your lifestyle. If a medical problem is causing your impotence, further testing may be necessary, and you may require treatment for your health condition.

In most cases, your doctor will be able to recommend an erectile dysfunction treatment that suits your lifestyle and your personal preferences.

• What are the most common methods used for treating erectile dysfunction?

Conventional impotence treatments typically involve the use of medications which work with the body's natural chemistry in order to promote the ability to have an erection. Oral medications such as Viagra, Levitra and Cialis are commonly prescribed; injectable medications such as the impotence drug Caverject are also used for treating male impotence.

While these drugs can help many men overcome impotence, they are associated with a long list of unpleasant side effects that, in some cases, can cause lasting physical harm. The most common side effects include headache, nausea, diarrhea, flushing, and dizziness.

While these side effects mainly create discomfort, some individuals are at risk for more serious, even life-threatening reactions to these drugs. Some men have reported fainting after taking impotence medications, and priapism (a painful condition involving an erection that does not subside after more than four hours) has also occurred as an effect of impotence drugs. This condition can lead to permanent nerve damage; injectable drugs may also cause irreversible damage to the penis if used incorrectly.

*How can I treat impotence naturally, without harmful side effects?

Fortunately, it is possible to effectively overcome erectile dysfunction without the use of potentially harmful drugs. Interestingly, some of the oldest known herbal impotence remedies have been shown in studies to be highly effective, with some performing better than conventional medications.

• Natural supplements for sexual health contain carefully formulated preparations of herbs and plant extracts that have been used for centuries in treating health disorders of all kinds, including male impotence. The following are just a few of the known impotence remedies and libido enhancers:

Ginseng - increases blood flow and improves vitality;

Gingko biloba - improves circulation and increases tactile sensitivity;

Horny goat weed (it has the same effect on goats as on humans) raises the sperm count, increases sexual desire, improves circulation, and promotes relaxation;

Yohimbe bark is one of the oldest known libido enhancers; this plant, which is native to Africa and Southeast Asia, is the main ingredient in many natural supplements for male sexual health;

Tribulus is an ingredient found in many supplements aimed at increasing tesotsterone. It has been found in clinical studies to boost testosterone levels in test subjects;

The amino acids carnitine and arginine are important for sexual health and are found in many herbal impotence treatments.

• Diet and exercise are also important to sexual health, as well as your overall wellbeing. Getting the right nutrients and participating in regular physical activity help to improve circulation, increase energy levels and eliminate fatigue.

• Avoiding smoking and recreational drugs and moderating your alcohol consumption can greatly improve your sex life.

Natural supplements and a healthy lifestyle can contribute greatly to your general well-being and improve sexual function. With the professional advice of a natural health expert, you can gain the maximum benefits from herbal supplements and enjoy a healthy, satisfying sex life.