What is erectile dysfunction? Erectile dysfunction is ongoing difficulty getting or maintaining an erection sufficient for sexual activity. Persistent ED is common and can reflect physical, medication-related or psychological factors.
What is erectile dysfunction? It can be a health signal
Blood-vessel disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, nerve problems and hormonal conditions can contribute to erectile dysfunction. Because erections depend on healthy blood flow, persistent ED can sometimes be an early sign of broader cardiovascular risk.
Medicines and substances can contribute
Some blood-pressure medicines, antidepressants and other drugs can affect sexual function. Alcohol, tobacco and other substances can also contribute. Do not stop a prescription medicine on your own; discuss alternatives with the prescriber.
Psychological factors matter too
Performance anxiety, depression, stress and relationship concerns can affect erections. Physical and psychological contributors can occur together.
Evaluation
A clinician may review medical history, cardiovascular risk, medicines, sexual symptoms and sometimes laboratory tests. The evaluation helps determine whether treatment should focus on an underlying condition, an ED medicine, counseling or another approach.
Treatment options
Options include lifestyle changes, management of underlying disease, oral medicines, vacuum devices, injectable or urethral treatment, counseling and surgery in selected cases.
Cardiovascular and metabolic health can be relevant
Erections depend on healthy blood vessels, nerves, hormones and psychological factors. Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and vascular disease can contribute to ED, which is why persistent symptoms may justify a broader health review rather than simply a request for medication. Lifestyle factors such as smoking and inactivity can also affect vascular health.
Review medicines that might contribute
Some prescription medicines can affect sexual function. Do not stop a necessary medicine because ED begins, but mention the timing to the prescriber. Sometimes the underlying condition is responsible; in other cases, treatment can be adjusted safely after the benefits and risks of the original medicine are considered.
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