According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), an increasing number of men are reporting problems with erectile dysfunction (ED), or the recurrent inability to get or maintain an erection. Differentiated from the more common term, "impotence," which can also cover issues regarding sexual desire and orgasm, ED affects an estimated 15 million to 30 million American men.



The NIH cites a wide range of conditions that account for almost three-quarters of reported cases of ED. Diabetes, kidney disease, chronic alcoholism, multiple sclerosis, atherosclerosis, vascular disease, and neurologic disease are common causes of ED. In addition, surgery that leads to nerve injury and the side effects of some prescription medicines, such as blood pressure medication, antidepressants, and antihistamines, can contribute to ED. The NIH reports that psychological factors, such as low self-esteem, stress, and anxiety are at the root of between ten and 20 percent of ED cases.



Typically, ED is diagnosed through gathering medical and sexual histories, a physical examination, and blood tests. Fortunately, the condition can be treated in men of all ages. Although surgery and counseling are sometimes recommended as methods of treatment for ED, the overwhelming choice for most patients and physicians is drug therapy. Patients with ED report great success with Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis. All three drugs have been approved for the treatment of ED by the Food and Drug Administration, and are available through a regular or an online pharmacy.



Viagra, the first and best-known drug for the treatment of ED, is taken one hour before intercourse. Viagra does not actually produce an erection, but allows a man to respond to sexual excitement. In essence, Viagra allows the penis to fill with blood and cause an erection. Following sex, the erection dissipates. Viagra shouldn't be used by men who are taking prescription or non-prescription drugs containing nitrates.



Like Viagra, Cialis is an oral medication that helps blood flow to the penis. Also like Viagra, Cialis causes an erection to go away after the sexual activity has been completed.



Levitra, like Viagra, increases blood flow to the penis during arousal. As with Viagra and Cialis, Levitra should not be used more than once a day, and is contraindicated for men who are taking nitrates or alpha-blockers.



Due to the cost of Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra, men are increasingly turning to an online pharmacy to fill their discount prescription. They buy Viagra over the Internet at an online pharmacy, as well as Cialis and Levitra. Together, the three drugs have provided relief to millions of men and their partners.



About the author:

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Visit this Health and Beauty Website and Majon's Health and Beauty directory.