Erectile dysfunction, also known as ED or male impotence is a medical term used to describe a man’s inability to develop or maintain an erection of the penis for sexual activity. Across the globe more than 50% of men have some type of erectile dysfunction. It can be caused by different factors which include neurogenic disorders such as spinal cord or brain injuries; hormonal imbalance such as low or abnormally high levels of testosterone; arterial disorders like hypertension; psychological disorders such as depression or schizophrenia; surgery such as those of the colon, bladder, prostate or rectum; lifestyle as well as aging itself.

There are literally millions of men out there suffering from some form of erectile dysfunction. The condition could be as straight forward as inability to have an erection or failure to maintain it long enough to enjoy sex. In case you are faced with erectile dysfunction, don’t despair and hold your head down in shame, you can do something about it. If your condition is more than a temporary, short-term problem, consult your doctor or a doctor specializing in erectile dysfunction. He can can help you identify the underlying cause of the problem and then help you figure out the appropriate treatment.

The type of treatment is largely dependent on the cause. In most cases the treatment of erectile dysfunction focuses on enhancing the circulation of blood to the penis to achieve an erection. Penile erection occurs as a hydraulic effect due to blood entering and being retained in tissues within the penis. To date, there are several treatment regimens to treat male impotence and one such procedure involves the use of an advanced medical solution nasal spray which directly targets the arteries which carry blood to the penis, thereby promoting natural response and enhancing sexual performance.

A variety of other options are available for treating erectile dysfunction. They range from medications to surgery and psychological counseling. Testosterone supplements may be prescribed for cases caused by hormonal deficiency. Erectile dysfunction can often be treated by drugs that are either taken orally, injected, or as penile suppositories. When these medications fail, a customized external vacuum pump can be used to achieve erection, with a separate compression ring attached to the penis to maintain it. In a few cases, there may be a vascular problem which can be corrected surgically. However, surgery is highly invasive and should only be considered as a last resort if all other treatment options have failed. Currently, the most common procedure involves the insertion of prosthetic implants which are basically artificial rods tucked into the penis.

Psychological counseling and sex therapy are also employed to treat erectile dysfunction particularly if stress, depression or anxiety is the underlying cause of the dysfunction. Your doctor may refer you or you and your partner to a psychologist or a sex therapist with experience in treating sexual problems. It is important to note that even if the dysfunction is caused by physical factors, it can trigger stress and relationship issues. Counseling can absolutely help, especially when your partner cooperates.