Technically, erectile dysfunction, the dysfunction also known as impotence, is the inability to develop or maintain the erect state of the penis in order to engage in satisfactory sexual intercourse. This is rather a textbook definition that may be hard on the ears of many people. Basically, erectile dysfunction means that men suffering from it either cannot get hard or cannot last enough to actually have sex with their partners. This issue has long been considered unfit for polite conversation, because men suffering from it are keen to hide it from the rest of the world and since nearly every man has had problems achieving erection at one time or another, nobody is interested in bringing up the issue. This attitude turned erectile dysfunction it into a favorite topic for urban legends and jokes.

The situation changed in the 1930s, when Doctor John Brinkley began advertising certain so-called cures for male impotence using the popular medium of the day: the radio. The second wave of hype was triggered in the ‘90s by the advertising campaign surrounding the launching of Viagra. The promise of a quick fix that would make impotence history was used to bring erectile dysfunction into the mainstream discourse and to dispel some of the shame surrounding this issue. Nevertheless, the road to open talk about this dysfunction is still long and many years will pass before men understand that dealing with the problem is better than hiding it.

The main causes behind erectile dysfunction are usually diseases and the appearance of this problem in otherwise healthy males could indicate the two biggest threats to the male sex life: cardiovascular diseases or diabetes. Cardiovascular diseases affect the flow of blood through the body and also the heart, the biological pump that keeps blood flowing inside you. Since erection is based on the flow of blood into the two sponge-like tissues known as Corpora Cavernosa, this means that any condition affecting the cardiovascular system will also affect erections. Another thing that comes into play when discussing erectile dysfunction is the state of mind. Depression and drugs meant to alleviate depression can also trigger a lack of interest in sex and, thus, the dreaded erectile dysfunction.

The chronic forms of diabetes are also known to cause impotence as parts of the nervous system collapse, including the nerves responsible for communication between the brain and the penis, although there are also accidents and other diseases that could harm the nerves. However, people suffering from diabetes who are careful enough not to let the disease reach a chronic condition can often avoid erectile dysfunction. The last big cause for erectile dysfunction is a decrease in the level of hormones produced by the testes, also known as hypogonadism. Low hormone production is detrimental not only to the sex life of the person affected, but also to fertility. Hypogonadism is caused by defects of the gonads or by defects in the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland.

Since the issue is very sensitive, it is impossible to know how many men suffer from this dysfunction. It has been estimated that about 5 percent of 40-year-old men and 25 percent of 65-year-old men suffer from erectile dysfunction. The first major step to treating erectile dysfunction is to acknowledge the problem and to seek help. The second major step is to identify which approach suits the patient best. If the problem stems from feelings of depression and stress, then the patient should turn for a while to a life of relaxation, physical activity and socializing. Going to the gym or running in the park is a wonderful way to drive depression away because of both the physical exertion and socializing components involved. Working out is also a good way to strengthen the cardiovascular system and improve blood flow. Shame and priggishness aside, men should understand that many cases of erectile dysfunction can actually be treated and that it is better to act sooner than later.