Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is perhaps more common a condition than you may have thought. The older you get, the more likely you are to experience symptoms, although the NHS estimates that half of all men aged between 40 and 70 will have ED at least to some degree.
If you are experiencing symptoms for more than a couple of weeks, it would be advisable to go and see your local GP so they can give you a full check-up. This kind of condition can actually be a signifier that something else, perhaps more serious, is wrong. You may be embarrassed to broach the subject with your doctor but you need to get a diagnosis so that the cause of the problem can be identified.
One of the most common causes of ED is atherosclerosis, or narrowing of the arteries. If your GP determines that this is what is behind your impotence, then they may suggest making a few lifestyle changes such as losing some weight to help prevent the onset of cardiovascular disease. You can also be given medication to treat atherosclerosis, such as drugs and statins that reduce blood pressure and lower your cholesterol.
Herbal Viagra may also be an option for some patients, something that may be particularly appealing to many since there are no side effects in most cases to taking herbal remedies for erectile dysfunction. It contains ingredients including special garlic extract, watermelon, black pepper, orange and mandarin peel, and ginseng, the latter of which has been thought for centuries to act as a sexual health remedy.
