Prior to the 1990s, the treatments for erectile dysfunction were fewer and far less effective, with generally greater side effects. Advances in pharmacology, along with improved surgical materials and techniques, have greatly expanded and enhanced the options available.

Studies vary, but anywhere from 10-20% of men in the U.S. are thought to suffer from erectile dysfunction. That designation includes those who suffer from the inability to achieve or sustain erection for a period of two months or more. But, of course, it only includes those who seek professional help or choose to answer 'Yes' on a questionnaire, and extrapolations based on those numbers.

In a total population of 300 million, roughly 117 million males are over age 14. Even at the lower figure of 10%, that's nearly 12 million. The odds of ED go up with age, so it's reasonable to conclude that in a smaller pool of males (those over 65, say), the incidence is higher.

Whatever the exact numbers of ED sufferers, there are unquestionably millions who have benefited from taking Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil) or Levitra (vardenafil) since the approval of the first by the FDA in 1998. Many hundreds of thousands more have successfully received a penile implant or prosthetic.

At the same time as treatment options have expanded, side effects have been reduced. Drug interactions, tissue scarring and other concerns are still present. Those with liver malfunction, multiple sclerosis and other conditions need to take care to consider carefully the possible downsides of treatment. Yet, the odds of many of those side effects have been lessened over the years.

From 11%-16% of men report suffering from headaches as the result of taking Viagra. But the incidence and the odds are lessened when the patient pays careful attention to physician instructions and follows them. Lowering the dosage of Viagra, for example, so that it is still effective but doesn't produce this undesirable side effect is possible.

Antibiotic coatings on penile implants are now common and more effective than in years past. That decreases the odds of post-implantation infection. That also makes it less likely that the device will have to be removed and/or re-inserted, lessening the odds of scarring.

Even in the area of psychological treatments for ED there have been advances. Psychotherapists are more aware today than in decades past of the subtle interactions between possible physical and mental causes. Depression is largely regarded as resulting possibly from either source. Or, it's now widely believed, it may exist as an interaction between the two. That change in attitude helps in developing treatments that combine the values of both approaches.

In previous generations, social prejudice had a greater influence on psychotherapeutic approaches than it does today. For example, Freud thought that women, by nature, didn't enjoy sex. He thought only 'lascivious' women reached orgasm. His influence waned and was replaced by more objective approaches.

While challenges remain, ongoing research and clinical practice is continuing to improve the prospects for those who suffer from erectile dysfunction. The shame once associated with impotence has largely been replaced by seeing it as a medical issue, amenable to treatment. At the same time, those treatments are continuing to improve.

Is erectile dysfunction a sign of more serious health problems?
Communicating With Your Partner
Coping With Erectile Dysfunction
Counseling, More Than Just Talking
Diagnosis of Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile Dysfunction, No Longer Impotence
Prospects for Improvement
Prosthetic Treatments
Side Effects of Erectile Dysfunction Treatments
Some Physical Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
Some Psychological Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction
Treating Erectile Dysfunction
Viagra, Cialis and Levitra
What Is Erectile Dysfunction?