It is a well-known fact that when men are having problems in bed, it is an embarrassingly major problem for them. Erectile dysfunction is not to be taken lightly as it is something menacing that men face and can happen at any age.

In fact, MedicineNet.com reported that by age 45, most men would have already experienced the problem at least some of the time. Based on research, the risk of complete impotence increases from 5% among men aged 40, to 15% to men aged 70.

But the dysfunction that comes with age might be aggravated by what men do. A new study, done by lead author Diana C. Lonmdono, MD, from the urology department at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center, about the dysfunction suggests that the use of multiple medications is linked with increasing the severity of ED, or what is more commonly known as impotence.

In the study, 37,712 ethnically diverse men, ages 46 to 69, from Southern California were surveyed. Looking at men who took more than 3 medications, information about its use between 2002 and 2003 was obtained from pharmacy records.

After taking into consideration other factors that contribute to ED, the relationship between taking multiple meds and the dysfunction persisted.

Based on their findings, ED was more prevalent as the number of medications increased: those who took at least 2 medications had 15.9% prevalence, 3 to 5 meds had 19.7%, 6 to 9 meds had 25.5%, and those who took 10 or more medications had 30.9% prevalence.

In addition, the researchers discovered that aside from 57% of men in the study taking more than 3 medications, use of several meds was greatest among the older age groups.

Michael Kanter, MD, regional medical director of Quality and Clinical Analysis for the Southern California Permanente Medical Group, pointed out that though physicians still need to treat patients with medications when indicated, they should be aware that ED may occur.

But not only the number of medication being taken contributes to ED, it also depends on the type. According to eMedicineHealth.com, common medications associated with ED are:

- Antidepressants

- Antipsychotics

- Antihypertensives

- Antiulcer drugs

- Medications for prostate cancer

- Drugs that lower cholesterol

Erectile Dysfunction may also be a sign of other conditions of the human body. These include:

- Scleroderma, the hardening of the skin

- Kidney failure

- Live cirrhosis

- Hermachromatosis, which is too much iron in the blood

- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease