Erectile dysfunction

Many men suffer from erection problems or "erectile dysfunction". This means that they regularly cannot achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity. It is an extremely distressing condition.

	Causes
	The majority of erection problems are caused by physical causes, such as diabetes, raised blood pressure or coronary heart disease. Some of the more common conditions that may cause erectile dysfunction: Diabetes Hypertension (raised blood pressure) Previous myocardial infarction (heart attack) Depression Stress and anxiety Radical prostatectomy Transurethral prostatectomy Surgery to the pelvic area Multiple sclerosis Spinal injury Parkinson's disease Spina bifida Not all causes are physical. A lot of men experience problems because of emotional issues such as depression. Influences also include smoking, drinking and drug-taking
	Treatment
	There are many ways in which erection problems can be treated. You can discuss the options with your doctor. The simplest method is to take a tablet before you have intercourse. There are also other methods available. These include vacuum devices, injection into the penis before intercourse or the insertion of a small pellet into the penis, also before intercourse.
	Recommended web sites
	Erectile dysfunction A leaflet from Patient UK about impotence Erectile dysfunction A link to Man Matters - a website containing lots of information about erection problems Sorted in 10 A link to Sorted in 10 - a website that answers all sorts of questions about erectile dysfunction