Many relationships, even strong ones, feel the strain when one of the partners has a sexual problems and in particular when the impotence is a problem for the male. It is so serious a matter that if it is not rectified it can even break up the most solid of relationships. Although for many men, their impotence is something that may dominate their every thought, help is always available and in nearly all circumstances, something can be doe to correct the problem.

The problem of male impotence (erectile dysfunction) is recognized when a man doe not have an erection for a long enough period to complete the sex act. A man who suffers from impotence may be unable to have an erection altogether, be unable to maintain it for more than a short period, or may be able to have an erection sometimes and not at other times. Approximately 10 to 15 million American men suffer from some form of impotence but the good news is that it is easy to understand and can be treated in all age groups.

A mans penis contains a large number if blood vessels that run inside absorbent tissue with a little muscle. Sexual stimulation which can come in the form of thoughts (even unconscious ones like dreams) or through a form of manual stimulation that tells the nerves to activate a flow of blood into the penis. The penis, now filled with blood becomes hard and erect; when this erection ends, muscles force the blood back out.

If there is any interference with the nerve signals or blood flow that creates an erection, impotence may result. A number of conditions and illnesses can cause this like diabetes or alcohol to name just two.

Diseases or conditions which affect the blood flow can cause impotence this can also include surgical procedures or accidents to the male sex organs or prostate area. Incidents of stress, anxiety or other psychological problems can also result in erectile dysfunction.

Dealing with impotence means going to a doctor as the first step, because this may help identify an underlying medical condition that should be treated. Often male impotence affects men as they get older, so they need to stay focused on regular exercise, quit smoking, losing weight and changing to a healthy lifestyle.