Erectile Dysfunction

Also known as impotence

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection that lasts long enough for a man to have satisfying intercourse or orgasm. Occasional bouts of ED are common: 43% of men in the United States experience erectile difficulties from time to time. While occasional ED is typically not cause for concern, frequent ED can be the first sign of a more serious health problem.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • What causes erectile dysfunction?

      Erectile dysfunction (ED) occurs when a man is unable to achieve or maintain an erection. Under normal conditions, sexual stimulation causes blood to rush into the penis making it rigid and stays trapped until ejaculation. In ED, a breakdown in the process is caused by physical or psychological issues. Age, medications, medical conditions (diabetes, hypertension for example), and lifestyle factors such as stress and drinking alcohol increase the risk of ED.

    • Is erectile dysfunction permanent?

      Most men fail to achieve or maintain an erection occasionally and roughly one in 10 adult males experience erectile dysfunction (ED) on a long-term basis. ED does not have to be permanent and can be treated with medication, hormones, therapy, injections, and vacuum devices. In some cases, if medication is not effective, penile implant surgery is used to relieve ED.

    • How do you fix erectile dysfunction?

      Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be very troubling, but it can be fixed. Risk factors are reduced when possible. The most common treatment for ED is prescription medications that help to achieve an erection. If these are not effective, additional medications are considered, including penile injection. Non-drug alternatives include vacuum devices and penile constriction rings. If there is a psychological cause for ED, therapy can help.

    • Can stress cause erectile dysfunction?

      Yes, stress can contribute to erectile dysfunction (ED). The brain plays an important role in sexual arousal—it triggers the physical response that causes an erection. Stressful experiences, relationship difficulties, and anxiety about sexual performance can interfere with sexual excitement. Sometimes a previous bout of ED leads to worries of another episode and it becomes a negative loop.

    • Does drinking alcohol cause erectile dysfunction?

      Drinking alcohol can lead to erectile dysfunction (ED). Some men experience difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection after a night of heavy drinking, but this is usually temporary. Chronic alcohol use can lead to long-term ED. One study found 37% of men who meet the criteria for alcohol-use disorder experienced sexual dysfunction, with 25% experiencing ED.

    • Is erectile dysfunction a sign of a serious medical issue?

      The occasional bout of erectile dysfunction (ED) is probably nothing to worry about, but if you are regularly having difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection, it may be a sign of a more serious health condition including cardiac issues. Medical conditions that affect circulation or the nervous system, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and neurological diseases, can all cause erectile dysfunction.

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    Page Sources
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