Erectile dysfunction (or male impotence) is a sexual disorder characterized by the inability to develop or maintain an erection of the penis and to perform satisfactory sexual activity or intercourse. There are no completely defined factors and symptoms that would present reasonable clinical definition of erectile dysfunction, and only the period during which the problem does not resolve (usually over 3 months) suggests a clinical guideline.

 

 

Erectile dysfunction usually occurs in patterns. Among these typical conditions are occasional inability to have a full erection, inability to sustain the erection during the intercourse or general inability to achieve erection. These symptoms vary within patients and are usually the signs of needed medical consultation.

 

 

 

The disorders of male sexual potency are caused by the physiological or psychological factors. Physiological disorders interfere with the natural based upon blood entering and being retained in the penis. These cases are often associated with various cardiovascular diseases. Psychological impotence is caused by the mental and emotional factors, such as worry, stress or depression. Among other factors leading to erectile disorders are diabetes mellitus (the cause of neuropathy), hypogonadism (testicles or pituitary gland disorders that lead to decreased testosterone levels), hypercholesterolemia, smoking and aging.

 

 

For psychological impotence placebo effects has proved to be rather strong and beneficial. Physiological disorders are usually treated with oral, hormonal, sex and vacuum therapy and in some cases with the help of surgical procedures. Usually, a trial of oral therapy is the preference for the patients with erectile dysfunction. The three oral medications widely approved for their efficiency are Sildenafil Citrate, Vardenafil Hydrochloride and Tadalafil. Intracavernous injection therapy, vacuum constriction devices intraurethral therapy are also the options for the erectile dysfunction treatment.

 

 

 

 

Herbal medicine suggests a number of herbs and herbal preparations to treat erectile dysfunction. Ginkgo biloba (50-100 mg per day) contains chemicals that act increasing peripheral circulation (blood flow to the penis) and may improve sexual function. Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), taken 160 mg two times per day and Pygeum africanum, taken 100 mg two times a day between meals are prescribed to the patients whose erectile dysfunction is connected with the prostate disease. Siberian ginseng taken in rotation with Asian ginseng may be beneficial for testosterone levels boosting. Dosages for both herbs are 100-250 mg per day. Remember that blood thinning medications are not combinable with the above mentioned herbs. Also, yohimbe has proved to be effective in dilating blood vessels and has widely been used to treat erectile dysfunction.