Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile Dysfunction: Causes & Treatment

Men’s sexual health is an important aspect over your quality of life, whether you’re trying to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections or you’re worried about erectile dysfunction (impotence) or other men’s sexual health problems.

For some men, worries about penis size top the list of their sexual health concerns. However, you’re probably more normal than you think — and penis-enlargement products and procedures aren’t likely to be effective.

As you get older, understand common changes in men’s sexual health — and how to maintain a healthy and enjoyable sex life at any age.

What is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (impotence) is the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex and it affects more than 30 million men.

Having erection trouble from time to time isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. If erectile dysfunction is an ongoing issue, however, it can cause your quality of life, your self-confidence and contribute to relationship issues. Problems getting or keeping an erection can also be a sign of an underlying health condition and it should be treated.

How Does it Happen?

• Lack of blood flow to the penis due to nerves or damage
• Emotional factors
• An early sign of a serious illness, like: atherosclerosis (hardening or blocked arteries), heart disease, high blood pressure or high blood sugar from Diabetes

If you’re concerned about erectile dysfunction, visit an intimate wellness provider — even if you’re embarrassed. Sometimes, treating an underlying condition is enough to reverse erectile dysfunction. In other cases, medications or other direct treatments might be needed.