Erectile Dysfunction: Overview
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is when a man finds it difficult or impossible to produce or sustain an erection. It is the most common male sexual disorder, and is associated with many chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and prostate cancer. Lifestyle factors (like obesity and smoking) also increase risk of erectile dysfunction.
There are many conditions and medical treatments that increase the likelihood of sexual disorders:
- Psychological: depression, anxiety, stress, relationship problems
- Pharmaceutical drugs: antidepressants, NSAIDs, and antihypertensives
- Cardiovascular disease
- Cancer treatments: surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapies
- Diabetes and metabolic syndrome
- Hormonal disorders
- Trauma to the genital area
- Thyroid problems
- Spinal cord injury
- Multiple sclerosis
Sexual health is strongly related to overall health and quality of life. Poor lifestyle choices and the presence of chronic disease increase the likelihood of sexual disorders. Lifestyle interventions that encourage smoking cessation, weight loss, and increased physical activity play a part in treating sexual disorders. For example, weight loss and increased physical activity has proven helpful for patients with both erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease.
Erectile dysfunction is also called:
- sexual dysfunction
- impotence
- male erectile disorder
If you’re suffering from erectile dysfunction, you’re not alone: approximately 50% of men between ages 40 and 70 have erectile dysfunction. It is more common in older men and in men with conditions like heart disease, high cholesterol and diabetes. Men treated for prostate cancer with surgery, radiation or hormones often have erectile dysfunction.
