Is the regular or irregular inability to achieve and/ or maintain an erect penis sufficient to complete intercourse to satisfaction for both man and woman.  It has been reported in medical journals that impotence affects between 10 - 20 percent of all men in Western countries and 20 percent of these may be considered chronic with about half of all adult men in the world experiencing occasional impotence.

Note that impotence should not be confused with male infertility. They are two totally different conditions; a man unable to maintain an erection may be perfectly normal in every other way including the fathering children.

SYMPTOMS
Some of the symptoms are:

• A lack in sexual confidence or interest
• A change in the quality of erections.
• The inability to have or maintain an erection upon waking up in the morning.
• Persistence of the disorder for more than three months.

CAUSES
The most common causes are:

• Any Stress factors, performance anxiety, boredom, depression, low self-esteem.
• Difficulties and unresolved tensions within relationships.
• Processed and convenience foods are a major cause of a great many health disorders.
• Diseases like diabetes, kidney disease, chronic alcoholism, multiple sclerosis, atherosclerosis and vascular disease.
• Surgery (prostatectomy, orchiectomy, radiation therapy or penile implants) which may have damaged nerves and arteries near the penis.
• Medications like blood pressure drugs, antihistamines, antidepressants, tranquillisers and appetite suppressants.
• Smoking and drug use
• Hormonal deficiencies.
• Excessive consumption of alcohol.
• Neurological problems (injury, trauma or disease)

PREVENTION
Erectile Dysfunction often increases progressively with age and yet it is not an inevitable consequence of aging.
The following steps can be taken to minimise the risks of erectile dysfunction:

• Learn to manage the stresses in life.
• Keep your relationships healthy and vibrant in every way.
• Eat well and take regular exercise
• Exercise and massages to help keep the whole body in tune.
• Sex education, understanding your body and sexuality will assist.
• Avoid excessive smoking and alcohol consumption.

DIAGNOSIS
There are numerous methods of diagnosing this condition which differ around the world:

Typically a doctor will question you about your sexual history including the nature and onset of problems, frequency, quality and duration of erections, past and present medical problems, medications, psychological history, current stresses, anxieties or problems and about how your relationships are.

This consultation will typically include an examination of the genital area and a digital rectal examination to check for prostate abnormalities. Blood tests will be taken to check testosterone and prolactin levels, thyroid and adrenal gland dysfunction and other conditions like hypertension, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and nerve damage.

CURES
Medically speaking, there is no cure for anything, however there are many things which can have a positive effect and help to restore normal function:

• Counselling and meditation can reveal the root causes of this problem.
• Changing any medications which may cause erectile dysfunction as a side effect.
• Diet and exercise
• Dietary supplements
• Understanding your Penis
• Viagra, Cialis & Levitra

NATURAL SUPPLEMENTS
A healthy diet is often difficult to achieve and can be supplemented with.

• Multi - Vitamins and minerals
• Vig-Rx, Vp-Rx

DIETARY GUIDELINES
Most impotence originates from poor diet and nutrition.

• If you are over weight, the first step is to lose weight.
• Improving diet can reduce and even improve this problem tremendously.
• Eat a fresh, organic, high vegetable diet, which should include green, leafy vegetables.
• Reduce red meat consumption.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol.

HOME CARE SUGGESTIONS

• A key factor in impotence is life style; try not smoking or drinking alcohol.
• Take alternating hot and cold showers to improve your circulation.
• Massages and aromatherapy help the body and the body system to relax.
• Learn massage so that you and your partner can massage each other.
• Learn about tantric sex and experiment with out being fixed on any goals.