Erectile dysfunction (ED), or impotence, is the inability to get or maintain an erection for satisfactory sexual activity. ED affects as many as 1 in 10 men. While it primarily affects those over age 50, up to 30 million men of all ages suffer from ED.
ED may have physical or psychological causes, including:
Lifestyle factors like obesity, smoking, and excess alcohol can also play a role. Often, ED results from a combination of physical disease and psychological issues.
Symptoms of ED include:
In most cases, symptoms develop slowly over time. Men may have occasional episodes of ED at first that worsen with age.
Discuss your symptoms with your doctor, who will likely perform exams and tests to pinpoint a cause. Potential treatments can include:
Treatment for erectile dysfunction has come a long way in recent decades. Today, a range of options exist that can help most men overcome ED and restore intimacy and satisfaction.