by Beth Dupre

Created on: April 24, 2008   Last Updated: April 29, 2008

What is ED, or erectile dysfunction? It is when you can't get or keep an erection that is adequate for sexual activity. You may not be able to get an erection at all, or may not get a firm erection. Your erections may not be consistent. Occasional ED is normal. but if you experience this three months or more, go see your physician. In the U.S. alone, 30 million men have ED.

What causes ED? 1) Smoking effects blood flow to your veins and arteries. Good blood flow is needed for an erection. Smoking cessation is recommended for optimal blood flow. 2) ED can also be brought on by psychological issues such as fear, low self esteem, fear of sexual failure, stress, anxiety, guilt and unresolved relationship issues. 3) Nerve damage from Diabetes, as well as Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosisi, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Heart Disease, operations for cancer of the prostate, spinal cord injuries, certain prescription medications, hormonal imbalances, or drinking alcohol excessively.

How do I know I have ED? Ask yourself these questions:How often were you able to have an erection during sexual activity? Can you maintain an erection until you have an orgasm? Over the last few months, were your erections hard enough for you to penetrate your partner? Cab you stay erect enough to keep penetrating your partner? If the answers to these questions is no, then go see your doctor.

Fortunately, ED can be treated. 1) Any underlying medical conditions need to be treated. 2) There are herbal and prescription medications that increase blood flow to the penis. 3) Penile needle injection therapy. 4) Penile prosthesis implant surgery. 5) Suction vacuum devices 6) Vascular surgery for men with restricted blood flow 7) See a counselor or sex therapist to resolve any psychological issues.

Medications that treat ED have some side effects, such as blindness. So you'll have an erection and not be able to see where to put it. Gee! Not so nice of a trade off. However, there are certain herbal supplements that are more potent than Viagra, and most of there only side effects are that you are more alert, and some cause drowsiness. You can have intercourse, wear yourself out, then sleep it off! These herbs can be bought at most health food stores. The following herbs can be combined to enhance their effect, but if you do that you need to cut the dose in half.

Horny Goat Weed is derived from a plant that goats ate. Their owner realized the animal became horny after ingesting it, and that the animals were able to have intercourse last longer. The plant produces firmer erections in men. The dose is 500 to 2000 mg. daily. Start with 500. Side effects are restlessness or insomnia.

Muira Puama increases your sex drive, genital sensitivity in men and woman, and orgasm sensitivity. It increases blood flow to the genitals. Take 500-1000 mg. for three consecutive days each week in the morning. Side effects: Restlessness.

Ashwagandha increases your sexual desire, relaxes you, and helps you enhance and maintain an erection. It enhances blood flow to the genitals, and also increases vaginal sensitivity if women take it. Take 300-500 mg on an empty stomach. This may cause drowsiness. Do not drive after taking it.

Tribulus improves erections. It is a common roadside weed that increases testosterone production. It dilates blood vessels in the penis, therefore giving men firmer erections. Take 500-1000 mg daily. Take it for one week. Then stop taking it for a week. Alternate like that.

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