Understandably, erectile dysfunction triggers profound anxiety in men and their partners. Fear that the condition is psychological, that its a reflection of a man's sexual health and ability and that treatment is unavailable or painful -- have kept many men with erectile dysfunction worldwide from seeking help. A critical first step in relieving these fears and the overwhelming anxiety that can accompany them is discussing the problem with a doctor. Finding out that he is not alone and that treatments are available, can begin to restore a man's confidence and relieve his anxieties.

With increased understanding of the importance of male sexual health, doctors now recommend men break through the barriers that too often, and for too long, have prevented them from seeking treatment. The strong social stigma attached to this medical condition has made embarrassment and shyness a barrier to effective treatment. A further barrier to sufferers seeking treatment has been a lack of knowledge and understanding about ED and sexual health in general. Research shows that fears that ED is just a sign of aging, or is a stress-related problem, delays diagnosis and treatment for months.

Erectile dysfunction is surprisingly common. Experts have found that more than half of men between the ages of 40 and 70, have a problem achieving or maintaining an erection. ED can also occur at an earlier age, affecting some men in their twenties and thirties. The causes are varied, but most commonly include diabetes, cardiovascular conditions and trauma. Lifestyle factors are also important. Smoking cigarettes, for example, can constrict blood flow to the penis and worsen vascular conditions. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol may also result in ED. While counseling can be helpful when there's no underlying physical cause, experts generally agree the causes are physical rather than psychological. The best news of all -- treatments are available, with positive results for up to 80 per cent of men.

Depression is a common feeling for men with erectile dysfunction, and all the more reason to seek treatment for this medical condition. This is understandable since a normal sexual relationship is important to a man's confidence and sense of strength and virility. An inability to have satisfactory sexual activity can naturally lead to depression if professional help and medical diagnosis is not sought, more severe feelings, such as lack of confidence and self-esteem are also caused.

ED is the medically preferred term for impotence. It is simply the consistent inability to achieve and/or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity. ED is considered a more accurate term than impotence, because of the negative and personal implications some people attach to that word. In Asia, research is beginning to show ED is often a more acceptable term for both doctors and patients, as it overcomes the traditional stigma about a man's virility and confidence that can accompany impotence.

Many men fear the range of treatments available are too embarrassing or painful to contemplate. However this is not the case. There are a range of treatment options, which have proven effective for millions of men. A new oral treatment, recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the U.S., sildenafil citrate (CAVERTA) has brought new hope to erectile dysfunction sufferers. In general, experts agree that proper diagnosis of ED can ensure effective treatment in a majority of cases.

For a patient suffering from ED, a visit to doctor is a logical first step for diagnosis and treatment. Tests for ED are simple and non-invasive and generally include a thorough review of a patient's medical and sexual history plus various tests. These can include an ultrasound that checks vascular functioning, checking arteries and neurological tests.

Prostrate operations, heart problems, diabetes and multiple sclerosis are some of the diseases doctors now believe can cause erectile problems, usually by damaging the nerves that control penile muscle cells. Another common cause is arteriosclerosis, the vascular hardening that leads to heart attack and stroke. Virtually anything that raises the risk of coronary heart disease, such as smoking, is now believed to cause erectile problems. Knowing that the problem is likely to be physiological rather than psychological is making it easier for many men to come forward for diagnosis and treatment. And while ED is more frequent in older men, doctors now believe this is because other health conditions are more common in aging men.

Lack of understanding of underlying physical causes of ED and lack of communication between men and their doctors has allowed myths about ED to flourish. Myths like difficulty with erections doesn't happen to "real men" or erectile dysfunction is a natural part of growing old, don't help men to confidently turn to their partners and doctors to seek treatment. Some men - and women - believe ED reflects a loss of virility, or that it is purely a psychological problem. The fact is, ED is a medical condition often caused by underlying health problems, not psychological factors. It doesn't have to be a natural or acceptable part of the aging process. A brief physical examination can help determine the cause and begin the process of identifying the best treatment for a particular sufferer.

An ED patient should not jeopardize the relationship with his partner. Partners of men suffering from erectile dysfunction can often feel they are part of the cause
-- by being no longer desirable or attractive. This is a common reaction. Even worse, a woman may begin to fear her husband is having an affair ! If the man fears ED is a sign of failure on his part, a partner can risk alienating or embarrassing him further. If not properly dealt with, a relationship or marriage can come to an end over these unfounded fears and the awkwardness of the situation. The solution lies in effective communication between partners.

Knowledge is essential to overcome ED. Doctors involved in the treatment of ED are hoping a little bit of knowledge will go a long way in encouraging men to seek treatment. However, there are many barriers, however, to overcome. These include traditional social stigmas attached to ED, a man's own embarrassment, misunderstandings about the effectiveness of the treatments available, and myths and superstitions that have many men avoiding their doctors in favour of herbal medicines. Increasing openness, however, about the role of sex in marriage and general sexual health issues, means many men are becoming more knowledgeable about this condition.

Treatment for erectile dysfunction is not about increasing a man's libido, or desire for sexual activity. Rather, the treatments provide means for men to sustain an erection sufficient for normal sexual activity. Treatments for ED are about restoring a man's normal sexual functioning, not about creating arousal or libido.

Doctors and mental health professionals are making enormous progress in understanding male sexual functioning and behaviours. New understanding about the organic causes of erectile dysfunction, increasing sophistication in the therapies available and efforts to encourage men to discuss their sexual problems with partners and doctors is changing the landscape for millions of men who, in the past, suffered from erectile dysfunction in silence.

Injury, surgery or disease can damage the nerves that trigger erections. Also some drugs prescribed for other conditions can prevent the nerves from functioning properly. A proper medical diagnosis is able to determine the cause and prescribe treatment.

Although there is a higher incidence of erectile dysfunction among older men, due to age-related conditions and their treatments, erectile dysfunction also occurs in younger men - the average age of the Asian patient is about 48.

Erectile dysfunction has a profound effect on any woman whose partner is affected. However, the couples have been dealing with the problem in private, experts believe treatment for ED is more successful with partner involvement and support. Women can play a major role in encouraging their partner to seek medical advice and treatment and in ensuring that sexual problems do not become a barrier in the relationship. In the majority of instances, once a man has sought medical treatment, a healthy sexual relationship can be resumed.

A healthy sexual relationship is part of quality of life for any couple. Seeking diagnosis and treatment when there's a problem is the sensible solution for any health issue that threatens or upsets quality of life. Men who have sought diagnosis and treatment report strong improvements in the quality of their relationship and intimacy with their partner. A willingness to deal honestly and openly with the condition to and undergo treatment, can rejuvenate this important area of a relationship thus improving mental health and self-esteem.

Traditional medicines and herbal remedies have a history of over 2,500 years and are commonly used to treat a number of different ailments. Practitioners combine a mixture of ingredients which aim to treat the whole body in their approach to the treatment of ED. However, it is important to note that traditional medicines constitute just one of many available treatments and they don't necessarily work for all ED sufferers.

Sadly, too many men suffer in silence from ED. Embarrassed, fearful, depressed, often suspecting the problem is somehow their own fault, ED sufferers stay away from doctors for too long, believing no help is available. Effective intervention can relieve anxiety and depression, improve a man's sense of well-being, rejuvenate his relationship with his partner and improve the quality of family life

Like most serious medical conditions, treatments for ED are available. Several options exist that have proven effective. Many medications for erectile dysfunction are being studied in clinical trials. A new oral treatment, recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the U.S., sildenafil citrate (CAVERTA) has brought new hope to erectile dysfunction sufferers.

It is important to seek medical help for a patient suffering from erectile dysfunction as it may be the first sign of an underlying condition such as diabetes, about which patient may not have been aware of.

Arteriosclerosis is a leading cause of erectile dysfunction. Damage to the vascular system which can occur as a complication of diabetes is partly to blame for the frequent cases of erectile dysfunction seen in men with this condition.

Erectile dysfunction is a medical condition that affects men of all ages around the world. In the U.S., experts believe 20 million men have erectile difficulties and up to about 140 million men are believed to suffer from this condition. The most detailed study so far -- the Massachusetts Male Aging Study, conducted in the Boston area in the U.S. -- found that among men 40 to 70 years old, more than half had an erectile problem. Experts believe that these statistics are likely to be applicable for most countries in the world.

Excessive use of alcohol and cigarettes can be a significant factor in causing ED.

Your patient is not alone, he can get help, but patient need to take the first step.

The best news of all: men who have obtained treatment (and their partners) report a new zest in life and their relationship