What is erectile dysfunction? What are the proposed causes and treatment?

Erectile dysfunction is known as impotence or difficulty achieving or maintaining a penile erection sufficient for intercourse. Causes are varied and include underlying diseases, reactions to medications, depression, fatigue, stress, alcohol, performance anxiety, and guilt over real or imaginary problems. Chronic impotence (lasting more than three months) should be treated by a physician. Treatment by the physician might include hormone therapy, vasoactive drugs, or vascular surgery. Impotence due to psychological factors can be treated successfully with psychotherapy in 90% of cases.