Erectile dysfunctions is a serious and life altering problem for millions of men. A man's inability to achieve or maintain an erection is typically linked to complex feelings of inadequacy and frustration. The psychological consequences of erectile dysfunction must not be underestimated. Several medications have been introduced to help erectile dysfunction, including Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis. These medications have improved the quality of life for millions of men and their partners who may have otherwise faced years of continued impotence or unpleasant alternatives including penile implants or penile injections. Countless products have been used over the centuries to help enhance male vigor and increase the libido. However, the effectiveness of these substances typically cannot be proven or disproved.

Testosterone is well known as the primary male hormone. Men with erectile dysfunction also have many supplements from which to choose from. Arginine is an amino acid the body uses to produce nitric oxide. Nitric oxide relaxes smooth muscle which allows increased blood flow in many parts of the body. This helps to explain why erectile dysfunction is more common in men with forms of vascular disease in which nitric oxide play a role. Risk factors for erectile dysfunction include conditions such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and smoking. The normal aging process has also been added to the list of risk factors that produce erectile dysfunction.

Lifestyle changes may be sufficient to reverse erectile dysfunction, especially when erectile dysfunction is associated with obesity. Studies shown that one-third of obese men with confirmed erectile dysfunction were able to improve their sexual function after losing weight and increasing physical activity. Several psychological conditions, including depression, guilt, worry, stress, and anxiety all contribute to the loss of the libido and erectile dysfunction. The anxiety that is associated with sexual performance may lead to chronic problems during sex.

Oral medications used to treat erectile dysfunction include selective enzyme inhibitors including Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis. Selective enzyme inhibitors are available by prescription and may be taken up to once a day to treat erectile dysfunction. The inhibitors improve partial erections by inhibiting the enzyme that facilitates their reduction and increases the levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP is a chemical factor in metabolism) which causes the smooth muscles of the penis to relax which enables blood to flow into the corpora cavernosa.

There are also several surgical treatments available for erectile dysfunction. Penile implants involve surgical insertion of inflatable rods or tubes into the penis. A semi-rigid prosthesis is a silicon-covered flexible metal rod. Once the metal rod is inserted, it provides the rigidity necessary for intercourse and can be curved slightly for concealment. This is the simplest surgical procedure of all the prostheses. The main disadvantage is that concealment can be difficult with certain types of clothing. Vascular surgery for erectile dysfunction is rarely performed and is generally considered to be experimental. Regardless of what type a treatment a man chooses, it is important to consult a physician about erectile dysfunction to determine the cause and to receive the appropriate treatment.

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