What is erectile dysfunction, or to give it its other name impotence? Basically it is the inability to gain an erection and / or to fail to maintain an erection long enough to enable sexual intercourse to take place. The latest estimates suggest that roughly 30 million men globally have erectile dysfunction. The estimates theorize that roughly half, 50 percent have had the condition professionally diagnosed. The sad part is that a large proportion of the other 50 percent often feel too embarrassed to discuss it with either a medical professional or their partner-in other words, they hide the condition. However, in 90 percent of cases an effective treatment is available. Treatment programs vary. First, it has to be determined whether the problem is emotional, psychological, physiological or medical-and may be caused by a medical condition such as heart disease or diabetes and / or the medication being taken for these conditions. If it is the former three, then medication is not going to be the answer, but seeing a qualified therapist or counselor could help. As far as medication is concerned, the most popular drugs available are Viagra, Levitra and Cialis. All of these are designed for erectile dysfunction, but they each work in a slightly different way. So if one will not work for you, then one of the others might. It is sometimes a case of trial and error. If erectile dysfunction medication is unsuitable for you due to medications you may be taking for existing medical conditions such as heart disease or diabetes mentioned above, then there are other treatments available which I have discussed in a chapter in this book. I have written this book in an easy to read and understand style. You will find chapters on what a diagnosis entails, statistics, emotional, psychological and physiological issues, a chapter on each of the three most popular drugs, medical devices for erectile dysfunction, naturopathy, using an alternative approach including herbal preparations, lifestyle changes and setting up a support system. The important thing is that you do not have to suffer from erectile dysfunction if you don't want to. There are a lot of highly qualified people out there who can help you. All you have to do is take the first step and ask. Brian B Jacques has been a natural health researcher for over 40 years. His very popular Mini Health Series of books are all available from Amazon.