Erectile dysfunction commonly referred to as impotency, is the inability to obtain and maintain an adequate erection for satisfactory sexual activity. It affects the lives of many middle-aged men and their partners. Although impotency is more common in men older than 65 years, it can occur at any age. An occasional episode of impotency occurs in most men and that is considered normal. As men age, it is also normal to experience changes in erectile function; erection may take longer to develop, it may not be rigid or it may require more direct stimulation to be achieved. Men may also notice that orgasms (climax) are less intense, the volume of ejaculate (sperm) is reduced and recovery time increases between erections (that is, it takes longer to achieve another erection after the first one).