Erectile Dysfunction or ED as it is called is a major problem with quite a sizeable male population across the world and many of them lead absolutely frustrated and disappointed lives. Many of them, especially those belonging to the ignorant and weaker sections of society, are not even aware that this is a physical and physiological problem and instead treat this a curse of god and resign themselves to fate and live with it. So what in fact is erectile dysfunction? Erectile dysfunction in simple terms is the lack of a male to keep in erection going on for a considerable period of time so that he is able to perform an act of coitus satisfactorily which results in sperm or semen reaching the desired target so that pregnancy could occur in a female. If such an event occurs very rarely it should not be considered as a case of male impotency or erectile dysfunction. Only when the condition is prolonged or continuous can it be considered a case of erectile dysfunction. There are many causes for erectile dysfunction and some of them could be due to some surgical procedures related to the urinary tract, or removal of a prostrate tumour. These causes are very temporary in nature and usually remit within a period of 2 or 3 weeks. Long term erectile dysfunctions are the more bothersome ones and these could be caused by a combination of physiological, physical and emotional reasons. Too much of stress can cause problems with erection. A sedentary life style with little or no exercise leads to obesity and other problems. This could play havoc with a man’s sexual life and could be a major contributory factor for erectile dysfunction. Lifestyle related diseases like blood sugar, hypertension, arthritis, kidney ailments and liver ailments can also be contributory factors for erectile dysfunction. To overcome this problem and find a permanent solution it is very important to diagnose the reason first and then go for the necessary ED treatment.