There are two main causes of ED. These are physical and psychological. Physical are actual something wrong in the way the body either interprets or reacts to sexual stimulation. This could be in the nervous system and how signals are sent between the brain and the region around the penis.

This could also be in the muscular or arteriole system in getting sufficient blood flow or maintaining blood in the penis for an erection. There are many causes for this to occur including an injury to the groin or spine, various diseases including diabetes, kidney disease, prostate cancer or any other of a variety of medical conditions.

Psychological cause include stress, anxiety, guilt or anything else that could have an effect on the mind and the ability to concentrate on the ability to relax and enjoy the sexual experience.

A relaxed approach to the sexual experience is an important factor in reducing the stress or anxiety which could be contributing to any erectile problems.

If you have been or are concerned about erectile dysfunction or other erectile problems it is important that this be communicated not only to your doctor but also to your partner. The greater the level of communication between partners, the less stress that will be experienced by the participants and the less likelihood of erection problems due to psychological causes.

Other actions which can reduce the likelihood of experiencing erectile dysfunction include:

-Stop smoking

-Avoid excess use of alcohol or the use of any recreational drugs

-Maintaining a healthy diet, high in fiber and low in fats

-Keep your cholesterol in check, a high cholesterol level leads to hardening of the arteries and decrease blood flow making if more difficult to achieve and erection.

-Treat any symptom of high blood pressure.

-Lower stress in your life

-Exercise regularly

-Keep blood sugar level constant. This is especially important if you have diabetes.

-Regular medical check-ups to ensure that there are no other hidden medical problems which could be contributing to erection difficulties.

You should also remember that attainment of an erection may become more and more difficult as a man gets older. This is just a natural reaction to the aging process and should not be something that causes alarm.

Appropriate fore-play and open communication between partners should provide adequate stimulus to bring about an erection.

Appropriate attention to the physical environment, ensuring that the room temperature is not too cold and that the lighting is appropriate as to not raise the stress level will also be a benefit.