This is a topic that for years was never discussed with anyone, including one’s doctor. After all, a man’s ability to sexually perform has long been considered a sign of his manhood and the failure to perform was embarrassing, degrading and humiliating.

However, in today’s more open environment, more and more is being learned about male erectile dysfunction and it’s not as uncommon or humiliating as it once was.

As doctors and researchers continue to study a man’s more embarrassing predicament, the more we learn what causes it and some of the things that can help recover from it.

So, what exactly are we talking about?

When a man becomes sexually aroused, blood rushes into chambers in his penis causing it to get larger and harder, which is necessary for sexual intimacy.

Did you know that this is not typical for most male mammals including primates (yes, even in gorillas and chimpanzees)? Many male mammals have a penile bone known as the baculum or os penis. When they become sexually aroused, the baculum normally is found above the male urethra, it extends the penis and keeps it erect during longer periods of sexual mating.

Male erectile dysfunction is characterized by difficulty getting or keeping an erection or the loss of sexual desire.

If these symptoms persist, it may be time to see your doctor.

Some of the more common causes of male erectile dysfunction are:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis)
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• Sleep disorders
• Tobacco use
• Alcohol or other substance abuse
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Peyronie’s disease
• Metabolic syndrome
• Medications
• Treatments for prostate cancer or enlarged prostate
• Surgeries or injuries to the pelvic or groin area
• Depression
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Emotional and psychological problems
• Relationship issues

Risk factors for increasing a man’s chance of developing erectile dysfunction include all of the items listed above plus one that no one can do anything about and that’s age. The older a man gets, the more difficulty he may have with sexual performance, but then many of the causes listed above also seem to increase with age and may be the reason.

Men experiencing erectile dysfunction should consult with their doctor before taking any of the popularly advertised oral medications. The reason this is important is that finding out the cause of one’s problem may help lead to the discovery of something more serious that needs to be addressed.

Additionally, some of the popular oral treatments could be harmful and exacerbate a medical condition or be counterproductive to any medication you may be taking.

If one’s doctor feels it is safe to use one of the oral medications they may recommend:

• Sildenafil (Viagra)
• Tadalafil (Cialis, Adcirca)
• Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn)
• Avanafil (Stendra)

These medications all work on the same premise of enhancing the body’s effect of nitric oxide. This is a natural chemical produced in the body that causes the muscles in the penis to relax. When the muscles are relaxed, it allows additional blood flow to the penis resulting in an erection.

One of the misconceptions associated with these medications is that they do not automatically result in an erection just by taking them. The body still needs some sexual arousal in order for the medications to work.

One of the side effects can be prolonged erections which can last for hours, which can become dangerous and needs to be addressed. Taking any of these could be harmful if you have heart disease, low blood pressure or take any type of nitrate drugs. Other side effects of their use include: nasal congestion, headache, visual changes, backache and stomach upset, which is why it’s important to have your doctor involved before using and letting him or her know if you experience any of these side effects.

Other treatments include some injectable medications, testosterone treatment, penis pumps, surgery and implants.

I know from experience because I am 65-years-old, overweight, have high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes and take medication for the blood pressure and diabetes and suffer from some erectile dysfunction. As I lose weight and control my diabetes and blood pressure with diet and exercise, I’ve notice fewer erectile issues. Take this as an encouragement to manage your health if you want to remain sexually active.

The bottom line is that if you or the men in your life suffers from erectile dysfunction, see your doctor. Be honest and open. Who knows, it may lead to better things and it may be treatable.