ED has been defined as the persistent inability to attain and/or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual performance. Although ED is not perceived as a life-threatening condition, it is closely associated with many important physical conditions and may affect psychosocial health. As a result ED can have a significant impact on the quality of life of patients and their partners.

The main conditions that lead to erectile dysfunction are heart disease, high cholesterol, hypertension and diabetes. Other factors that lead to impotence are ageing, smoking, alcoholism, high stress or exhaustion, depression, anxiety and other psychological factors.

Medication used to treat ED works by relaxing blood vessels and increasing the blood flow to the penis. The most routinely prescribed medicines are; Viagra (Sildenafil), Cialis (Tadalafil), and Levitra (Vardenafil). Recently, Viagra has become available in it's generic form of Sildenafil. This means that the same active ingredien