A condition in which a man finds it difficult or impossible to have or maintain an erection during intercourse.
Condition where the penis does not harden and expand when a man is sexually excited, or when he cannot keep an erection. ED can be a total inability to achieve erection, an inconsistent ability to do so, or a tendency to sustain only brief erections. The word “impotence” may also be used to describe other problems that interfere with sexual intercourse and reproduction, such as lack of sexual desire and problems with ejaculation or orgasm. Using the term “erectile dysfunction” makes it clear that those other problems are not involved. In older men, ED usually has a physical cause, such as disease, injury, or side effects of drugs. The incidence of ED increases with age, but it is not an inevitable part of aging. Any disorder that causes injury to the nerves or impairs blood flow in the penis has the potential to cause ED. Surgery (especially radical prostate and bladder surgery for cancer) can injure nerves and arteries near the penis, causing ED. Psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, guilt, depression, low self-esteem, and fear of sexual failure cause 10 to 20% of ED cases. Drugs for treating ED can be taken orally, injected directly into the penis, or inserted into the urethra at the tip of the penis. While oral medicines (e.g., Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra) improve the response to sexual stimulation, they do not trigger an automatic erection as injections do.
Consistent inability to produce or maintain an erection of the penis sufficient to have sexual intercourse; also known as impotence. The cause can be either psychological or physical. Causes include relationship troubles, mental disorders (such as depression and anxiety), or severe guilt feelings. Physical causes include disease, such as diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, multiple sclerosis, coronary artery disease, alcoholism, medications (antidepressants, appetite suppressants), or injury to the genitals, pelvis, or spinal cord; smoking; and surgery, especially surgery of the prostate, bladder, colon, or spine.
The inability to achieve or sustain a penile erection for sexual intercourse. It is a common disorder that affects millions of men worldwide. Although about half of all men between ages 40 and 70 experience some degree of ED, it is not an inevitable part of aging. The many causes of erectile dysfunction include tension or anxiety, vascular diseases of the pelvis, spinal cord injuries, autonomic nervous system disorders, testosterone deficiencies, pelvic injuries resulting from surgery, pelvic radiation, stroke, and side effects from intoxicants (such as alcohol) or medications (such as some anti-hypertensives, sedatives, opiates, and antidepressants).
The inability to attain or retain a rigid penile erection.