Find the right treatment for erectile dysfunction

Nearly 40 percent of 40-year-old men and almost 70 percent of 70-year-old men experience some difficulty getting or maintaining erections at some point. We'll go over the pills and natural remedies that can help you rediscover satisfying sex.

• Drugs can help restore erections for men who have trouble getting and maintaining them.
• They work by inhibiting an enzyme called PDE-5, letting muscles in the arteries of the penis relax and widen. As a result, blood flows south to create an erection.
• Given that millions of men experience erectile dysfunction, it's no wonder that competitors of the original impotence drug have cropped up in recent years. Some take effect more quickly and have fewer side effects, while others last longer, affording couples more spontaneity in their lovemaking. Speak with your doctor to find the best match for your needs.
• A study of 7,560 men conducted in nine European countries found that the three major impotence drugs all improved erectile function and sexual satisfaction after six months of treatment.
• The caveat of these pills? None of them will give you an erection if you don't have the sexual stimulus or desire. If you're having relationship issues, or you're not turned on by your partner, don't look to a pill to solve your problem.

• Despite the growing number of products promising to help men get (and maintain) erections, most supplements haven't been studied thoroughly enough to confirm or deny their claims.
• Some studies show good results with L-arginine, an amino acid that converts to nitric oxide, a molecule that helps men get an erection. But a German study found no improvement in erectile function among 30 impotent men who were given 500 milligrams of L-arginine three times a day.
• Certain nutrients and spices, such as omega-3 fatty acids and chili peppers improve circulation, which could help increase blood flow where it's needed. Others (like zinc) reportedly boost testosterone production.
• Some plants and herbs, namely yohimbe, panax ginseng, maca and ginkgo biloba, have some scientific evidence showing that they work, though no one knows whether the positive results are caused by the supplements or the placebo effect. Then again, if previously impotent men are getting erections, does it really matter why?

Don't let a common and solvable issue like impotence stop you from having satisfying, enjoyable sex. Use this guide and talk to your doctor to try out some of the many solutions.