Erectile Dysfunction
Overview
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the consistent difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection firm enough for satisfying sexual activity. Occasional difficulty is common and not a cause for concern, but a persistent pattern deserves evaluation.
ED can be an early warning sign of underlying cardiovascular disease, since the blood vessels supplying the penis are often affected before larger vessels elsewhere in the body show symptoms.
Symptoms
Causes
Causes include vascular disease, diabetes, low testosterone, psychological factors like stress or anxiety, certain medications, and smoking — often a combination of physical and psychological factors.
Risk Factors
Diagnosis
Diagnosis starts with a detailed history and hormone blood tests, and may include a penile Doppler ultrasound to assess blood flow when a vascular cause is suspected.
Complications If Untreated
Beyond relationship strain, persistent ED can be a marker of undiagnosed cardiovascular disease that deserves its own evaluation.
Treatment Options
Prevention Tips
Managing diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol, quitting smoking, and regular exercise all meaningfully reduce ED risk.
Lifestyle Advice
Regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and addressing chronic stress all support healthy erectile function.