Note: The content of this column might not be suitable for younger readers.

Erectile dysfunction, also called erectile failure or impotence, is a common problem in the United States and around the world.

Unfortunately, diabetes is one of the more common causes of this condition.

Erectile dysfunction is not a disease in itself but a symptom or side effect of other problems. Some of the problems causing erectile dysfunction may be serious conditions, such as diabetes.

The bad news is that approximately 60 to 70 percent of diabetic men over the age of 50 have some degree of impotence. The good news is that clinical research has clearly demonstrated that with good long-term glucose control and a healthy lifestyle, the disorder may be less severe or avoided completely in many diabetic men.

Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction

There are many effective treatment strategies to increase a man’s ability to achieve an erection and to restore sexual relations.

It is unfortunate that so many men are afraid to seek help, mainly because of embarrassment or ignorance about the excellent therapies now available. Only a small percentage of the men with this problem have actually sought professional help.

Ten to 20 percent of erectile dysfunction cases are reversible. These cases can be caused by psychological problems, smoking, use of alcohol or a testosterone deficiency.

The remaining 80 to 90 percent of cases are not reversible but still treatable. A few of the treatment options available are given below.

A Couple’s Problem

Remember that erectile dysfunction is a couple’s disorder, and what you do about it becomes much easier to accomplish if you and your partner have common goals. Seek qualified medical advice.

The doctor’s role is to determine the type and cause of the dysfunction and to help you and your partner select an appropriate and effective treatment.

If your physician does not normally treat erectile dysfunction, ask him or her to refer you to a specialist, usually a urologist or endocrinologist. But act on the problem and be assured that erectile dysfunction can be successfully treated.

What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is the consistent inability of a man to attain or sustain an erection for satisfactory intercourse to take place.