The incapability to complete sexual acts because of inability to achieve or maintain an erection is one of the most common sexual problems that affect nearly all men at some time in their lives. Although we know this but the cause of erectile problems are often misunderstood and can lead to a cycle of frustration and emotional difficulty within a relationship. Erectile dysfunction affects 1 in 10 men. Erectile dysfunction varies with age. Some degree of dysfunction is experienced by 40% of men at age 40 and by 70% at age 70. In most cases of erectile dysfunction the cause is either psychological or physiological. In up to one third of people with sexual problems, the partner also has a sexual dysfunction. 20% of men with erectile dysfunction also have low sexual desire. Three Stages of Erection Things can go wrong at any point of the 3 stages of producing and maintaining an erection. 1st stage, sexual arousal, getting sexually stimulated from our thoughts and senses.2nd stage erection, it is the brain communicating the sexual arousal to the body which increases the blood flow to the penis.3rd stage erection, blood vessels that supply the penis relax allowing an increased blood supply to flow into the shafts that produce the erection. Physical Causes of Impotence Post-surgical side effects: Accidental injuries to the penis or testicles, spine or pelvic area. Vascular trauma. Birth Defects: Diseases & conditions e.g. Diabetes, flu, chronic renal failure, liver disease, arterial sclerosis, Parkinson's disease. Drug abuse: Recreational use or regular chronic over use of addictive drugs such as cocaine, heroin, amphetamines. Medication: Drugs used for depression, Beta blockers for high blood pressure, diuretics. Smoking. Hormone: Testosterone deficiency, prolactin secreting pituitary tumors, thyroid disorders. Excessive alcohol consumption. Ageing Psychological Causes of Impotence The psychological aspects of erectile dysfunction are considered to have major significance so they must be addressed when seeking treatment. Psychological issues often stem directly from physical problems but psychological factors could also be the prime reason for erectile dysfunction. The most common psychological problems can generally be related to inhibited sexual desire, anxiety disorders, depression, mental fatigue, stress, guilt, relationship problems, and lack of interest in sex by partner Despite a general reluctance to seek medical help when men do finally make the effort they are more likely than women to seek help and treatment for sexual problems. Sometimes quite simple interventions, information, reassurance, talking to someone, contraceptive advice etc, can resolve the problem. There are also medicines available to help a man in erectile dysfunction. Talk you your doctor and seek his advice before going in for medicines.