These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

Marvin, age 57: A while back it began getting more difficult for me to have erections. For my partner and me, sex is a very important part of our relationship. We are not yet ready to give this up. So we talked with our doctor. I tried one of these new medications. I know it's a little expensive, but we are willing to spend the money to be able to continue having sex.

William, age 47: When I began to have a problem getting an erection, I was pretty upset. I went right to my doctor, and he gave me a medication to try. It worked all right for me, but he also suggested I talk about this with my wife. When we talked, I discovered she was not all that concerned about having sex as long as I gave her lots of loving attention. Finding other ways to say “I love you” has been important for both of us.

Carlita, age 26: My partner was having trouble getting an erection. The doctor could find nothing physically wrong with him. The doctor suggested we try counseling and that my partner take a medication that will help him get an erection. Although we weren't sure we liked the idea of counseling, my partner and I talked it over, and we went ahead and did both.

Nickolas, age 68: My partner and I discussed my problem of getting an erection. We decided we just like being together. We discovered that having sex is not as important to us as it once was.