They may also require more direct stimulation by their partner. Men over age 50 often take longer than younger men to become sexually aroused. Are you allowing enough time for foreplay? Are factors in your life creating distractions that can make it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection, such as exceptional stress at work, tension in your relationship with your partner, a lack of privacy for lovemaking, or a recent loss? Have you had any recent physical injuries involving your back, spine, or genitals? These are common causes of impotence. Remember: Never stop taking a prescription medication, or alter the dosage, without discussing it with your doctor. If so, check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if impotence is a possible side effect of that particular drug. Answering the following questions can provide important clues to the cause of your impotence: Have you started taking a new prescription or over-the counter-medication? At the very least, you may obtain important information that can help your doctor make an accurate diagnosis.

By considering aspects of your life that might affect your ability to achieve an erection, you may find the cause and be able to correct the situation without consulting your doctor. Erectile dysfunction can affect men at any age. In fact, they are more likely to enhance the experience for both of you.

Making these adjustments will certainly not diminish sexual pleasure for you or your partner. Allow more time for foreplay, and let your partner know that you would like more stroking. Allow yourself and your partner sufficient time and privacy to become fully aroused, before attempting intercourse. It's also important to take a relaxed approach to lovemaking. Erection problems often can be resolved by coping with stress through exercise and other tension-relieving activities; by making sure you get enough rest; by eating a healthy, well-balanced diet; and by avoiding alcohol and smoking.

If you feel that your ED has a psychological or emotional component, you may want to try some self-care before consulting your physician. If you regularly awaken during the night or in the morning with a full erection, your ED may be related to stress or an emotional problem. Are you able to have an erection at other times - through masturbation or on awakening? Are you drinking or smoking excessively?