Erectile dysfunction, which is commonly known as impotence, is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection hard enough to engage in sexual intercourse. There are two types of erectile dysfunction, primary and secondary. Primary erectile dysfunction occurs when a man has never been able to engage in sexual intercourse. Secondary erectile dysfunction is more common, occurring when a man once had the ability to have an erection and engage in sexual intercourse, but lost it. 

Known to almost everybody as "impotence," erectile problems can be very troublesome and embarrassing experiences. A recent survey shows that about 10 percent of men experienced a case of impotence and least once in a 12-month span. It is comforting to know, however, that if you have difficulty obtaining and/or keeping an erection, you probably do not have a permanent or incurable problem. As with any sexual problem, it is extremely important to be educated about the problem and know what you can do to improve your sexual health.