Men spend billions of dollars on sexual dysfunction prescription drugs and over-the-counter ED remedies each year. But for the past several years, sales have declined. The ED drug market, which was valued at $4.3 billion in 2012, is expected to fall to $3.4 billion in 2019. Why? A recent study at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine found that three out of every four men with ED refuse treatment.

One possible reason is that many have tried treatment―mostly prescription pills―and found it didn’t work for them. Many ED prescriptions are written without a clear diagnosis of the cause, so it’s a hit-or-miss proposition. Also, there may be multiple causes, which makes a complete diagnosis difficult. Is there a better way―one that brings greater success? New research is shedding light on an unexpected cause of ED with a very simple solution.