Almost all men experience occasional difficulty getting or maintaining an erection at some time in their lives.  Usually, it's temporary and goes away with little or no treatment.  However, if the experience becomes persistent, the problem is considered to be erectile dysfunction (ED).

If you suffer from ED, you're not alone. Data from the 2001-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examinational Survey (NHANES) suggests that almost 20 percent of adult men suffer from ED.  The incidence of ED increases with age, with chronic ED affecting as many as 50 percent of men between the ages of 40 and 70.

Does that mean that ED is a natural part of aging?  Researchers and physicians respond with a resounding "no".  They estimate that 70 percent of ED cases can be traced to a physical cause and another 20 percent to stress, anxiety and depression.  The prevalence of physical problems that can cause ED -- disorders with blood vessels, nerves or hormones -- tend to increase with age and are often lifestyle related.  ED can also occur as a side effect of some medications.

Since ED has been widely discussed in the media in the last decade, more men have stepped up and sought help.  But, even with a dramatic increase in doctor visits related to ED, it is still one of the most commonly under treated medical disorders in the world.  Some men are so reluctant to discuss the subject that they resign themselves and their partners to living without sex.  Others try to treat themselves with over-the-counter or over-the-internet remedies.  Both approaches are unfortunate and, sometimes, dangerous.   

Why?  Because: 

• ED can be a warning that your body isn't working properly. For example, it might be the first sign that leads your doctor to suspect you have heart disease.
• Many effective treatments are now available, which means that there's a high probability that your ED can be treated successfully.
• Some unscientific remedies can actually be harmful.