Solutions for Erection Problems

Erection difficulties occur when a man is unable to obtain or keep an erection. Impotence, or erectile dysfunction, may have a variety of causes. High blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes are some of the health problems that can affect blood vessels that interfere with erections. Lack of exercise, overeating, smoking and alcohol or drug abuse are some lifestyle factors that can cause erection problems. Prescription medication can cause erectile dysfunction. Injuries, nerve diseases and treatment for prostate cancer may also be factors. Fortunately, modern medicine has many remedies to help men with erection problems.
  

Psychological or Physical

Most normal men have 3 to 5 erections each night, according to the National Institutes of Health. They will last up to 30 minutes. There are simple tests that can be explained by your doctor to find out if you are having normal erections at night. If the problem is psychological, counseling is usually necessary. This is often done with couples.
  

See Your Doctor

If you are concerned about physical erection problems, a visit to a physician or urologist can help you find what is causing the problem, advises the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. A medical history and physical exam helps medical professionals understand what may be the cause and what you can do about it.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Getting back to a healthy lifestyle can improve the functioning of your heart and subsequently your sexual performance. For many men, conquering their erection problems may be as simple as starting an exercise regimen, eating a healthier diet, giving up smoking or quitting unhealthy practices such as drinking too much or taking recreational drugs. If your doctor suspects prescription drugs are causing the problem, other medications may be prescribed.

Sexual Enhancers

Prescribed medications such as Viagra, Levitra, Cialis and others have revolutionized the treatment of erectile dysfunction in recent years. The male sexual enhancement pills increase blood flow to the penis. These medications are prescribed for men who are relatively healthy, but have difficulty in obtaining and keeping an erection, often because of age. Keep in mind that these enhancement pills do not provide automatic erections. You have to be sexually aroused, and the medication helps from there.

Penile Implants

For more serious problems, a penile implant may be necessary. The device is surgically implanted. It inflates or bends to produce an erection.

Injections and Devices

Injections work for many men when other solutions fail. Medicines can be injected into the shaft of the penis to create an erection within a few minutes. Vacuum devices help produce an erection through a vacuum tube that is connected to a pump. The pump helps blood flow to the penis. A ring keeps the blood from flowing out of the penis.