The term erectile dysfunction covers a range of disorders, including curvature of the penis during erection (Peyronie's disease), prolonged painful erection not associated with sexual desire (Priapism) and premature ejaculation. But typically, Erectile dysfunction (ED), also called impotence, is defined as man's inability to have an erection hard enough to have sex or to keep an erection long enough to finish having sex.

Erectile dysfunction affects the lives of 20 million to 30 million American men and their partners.

Although erectile dysfunction is more common in men over age 65, it can occur at any age. Still, it's important to realize that an occasional episode of erectile dysfunction happens to most men and is perfectly normal. In fact, in most cases it's nothing to worry about. As men age, it's also normal for them to experience changes in erectile function. Erections may take longer to develop, may not be as rigid or may require more direct stimulation to be achieved. Men may also notice that orgasms are less intense, the volume of ejaculations is reduced and recovery time increases between erections.

When erectile dysfunction proves to be a pattern or a persistent problem, however, it can harm a man's self-image as well as his sexual life. It can also be a sign of a physical or emotional problem that requires treatment. Erectile dysfunction was once a taboo subject. But attitudes are changing. More men are seeking help for the problem, and doctors are gaining a better understanding of what causes erectile dysfunction and are finding new and better ways to treat it.

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