There are various underlying causes,
many of which are medically reversible
Erectile dysfunction or impotence is a
sexual dysfunction characterized by the
inability to develop or maintain an
erection of the penis for satisfactory
sexual intercourse regardless of the
capability of ejaculation. There are
various underlying causes, such as
diabetes, many of which are medically
reversible.
The causes may be physiological or
psychological. Psychological impotence
can often be helped by almost anything
that the patient believes in; there is
a very strong placebo effect.
Due to its embarrassing nature and the
shame felt by sufferers, the subject
was taboo for a long time, and is the
subject of many urban legends. Folk
remedies have long been advocated, with
some being advertised widely since the
1930s. The introduction of sildenafil
(Viagra) in the 1990s caused a wave of
public attention, propelled in part by
the news-worthiness of stories about it
and heavy advertising.
The Latin term impotentia coeundi
describes simple inability to insert
the penis into the vagina. It is now
mostly replaced by more precise terms.