What is erectile dysfunction?

 What is erectile dysfunction?


When you are unable to get or maintain an erection that is hard enough to allow for satisfying sexual activity, you are said to have erectile dysfunction (ED).  ED may be a temporary or permanent issue. You have ED when you

can occasionally have an erection but not each time when you want to enjoy sex.

can get an erection, but it does not last long enough for fulfilling or satisfactory sex

are unable to get an erection at any time

Health care professionals, such as primary care providers and urologists, often can treat ED. Although ED is very common, it is not a normal part of aging. Talk with a health care professional if you have any ED symptoms. ED could be a symptom of a more serious medical condition. 


Does erectile dysfunction have another name?


ED is sometimes called impotence, but health care professionals use this term less often now so it won’t be confused with other, nonmedical meanings of the word.


Is erectile dysfunction a common problem?

Who is more susceptible to erectile dysfunction development?

You are more likely to develop ED if you


  • are older
  • have certain diseases or conditions
  • take certain medicines
  • have certain psychological or emotional issues
  • have certain health-related factors or behaviors, such as overweight or smoking


What side effects might erectile dysfunction cause?

Complications of ED may include

  • an unfulfilled sex life
  • a loss of intimacy between you and a partner, resulting in a strained relationship
  • depression NIH external link, anxiety NIH external link, and low self-esteem
  • being unable to get a partner pregnant

As a result of ED, anxiety, depressive disorders, and decreased self-esteem can all lead to further health issues.


the causes and symptoms of erectile dysfunction

What signs indicate erectile dysfunction?


Symptoms of ED include :- 

  • not always being able to have an erection when you want to have sex
  • being able to get an erection, but not having it last long enough for sex
  • being unable to get an erection at any time

ED is often a symptom of another health problem or health-related factor.


What causes erectile dysfunction?

Many different factors affecting your vascular system NIH external link, nervous system NIH external link, and endocrine system can cause or contribute to ED.


Although you are more likely to develop ED as you age, aging does not cause ED. ED can be treated at any age.


Certain diseases and conditions

The following diseases and conditions can lead to ED:

  • type 2 diabetes
  • heart and blood vessel disease NIH external link
  • atherosclerosis
  • high blood pressure
  • chronic kidney disease
  • multiple sclerosis NIH external link
  • Peyronie’s disease
  • injury from treatments for prostate cancer NIH external link, including radiation therapy and prostate surgery

injury to the penis, spinal cord, prostate, bladder, or pelvis

surgery for bladder cancer NIH external link. (Related Info)


Taking certain medicines.


ED can be a side effect of some popular medications, including

  • blood pressure medicines NIH external link
  • antiandrogens—medicines used for prostate cancer therapy NIH external link
  • antidepressants NIH external link
  • tranquilizers, or prescription sedatives—medicines that make you calmer or sleepy
  • appetite suppressants, or medicines that make you less hungry
  • ulcer medicines


Erectile dysfunction diagnosis

How do doctors diagnose erectile dysfunction?


Erectile dysfunction (ED) is diagnosed by a physician, such as a urologist, using a medical & sexual history, as well as a mental and physical examination. You may find it difficult to talk with a health care professional about ED. But keep in mind that a healthy sexual life is an integral part of a healthy life. Your doctor will be better able to assist in treating your problem the more information he or she has about you.


Medical and sexual history


Taking a medical and sexual history is one of the first things a doctor will do to help diagnose ED.He or she will request details from you such


  • how you would rate your confidence that you can get and keep an erection
  • how often your penis is firm enough for intercourse when you have erections from sexual stimulation
  • how often you are able to maintain an erection during sexual intercourse
  • how often you find sexual intercourse satisfying
  • if you awaken in the morning with an erection
  • how you would rate your level of sexual desire
  • how often you’re able to climax, or orgasm, and ejaculate
  • any surgeries or treatments that may have damaged your nerves or blood vessels near the penis
  • any prescription or over-the-counter medicines you take
  • if you smoke, use alcohol, or use illicit substances

This information will help your doctor understand your ED problem. The medical history can reveal diseases and treatments that lead to ED. Reviewing your sexual activity can help your doctor diagnose problems with sexual desire, erection, climax, or ejaculation.


Mental health and physical exam


A health care professional may ask you some personal questions and use a questionnaire to help diagnose any psychological or emotional issues that may be leading to ED. The health care professional may also ask your sexual partner questions about your relationship and how it may affect your ED.

He or she also will perform a physical exam to help diagnose the causes of ED. During the physical exam, a health care professional most often checks your

penis to find out if it’s sensitive to touch. If the penis lacks sensitivity, a problem in the nervous system may be the cause.

penis’s appearance for the source of the problem. For example, Peyronie’s disease causes the penis to bend or curve when erect.

body for extra hair or breast enlargement, which can point to hormonal problems.


Erectile dysfunction medication

How can I treat erectile dysfunction?


Your erectile dysfunction (ED) may have an underlying reason that you may cure in collaboration with a medical practitioner. Choosing an ED treatment is a personal decision. However, it may be advantageous for you to discuss which course of action is best for your relationship with your partner. (Some More Info)


Lifestyle changes


Your health care professional may suggest that you make lifestyle changes to help reduce or improve ED. You can

  • quit smoking External link
  • limit or stop drinking alcohol NIH external link
  • Boost your physical activity and keep your weight at a healthy level.
  • stop illegal drug use NIH external link

If you are having problems making these adjustments on your own, you can ask a health professional for assistance.


How do doctors treat erectile dysfunction?

Change your medicines


If a medicine you need for another health condition is causing ED, your doctor may suggest a different dose or different medicine. Never stop taking a medicine without speaking with your doctor first. Read about which medicines make it more likely that you’ll develop ED. 


Prescribe medicines you take by mouth


A health care professional may prescribe you an oral medicine, or medicine you take by mouth, such as one of the following, to help you get and maintain an erection:

  • sildenafil NIH external link (Viagra)
  • vardenafil NIH external link (Levitra, Staxyn)
  • tadalafil NIH external link (Cialis)
  • avanafil NIH external link (Stendra)


All of these medicines work by relaxing smooth muscles and increasing blood flow in the penis during sexual stimulation. If you take nitrates to treat a cardiac disease, you should not take any of these medications for ED. Nitrates widen and relax your blood vessels. The combination can induce a sudden drop in blood pressure, which might make you feel lightheaded or dizzy or cause you to fall and perhaps sustain injuries.

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