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About Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Today experts estimate that, in most cases, ED has an underlying medical cause.2 That doesn't mean that the couple's relationship is unimportant in their sex life. It just means that there are medical problems that may contribute to ED and can be treated effectively.
What are these underlying medical problems? Some of the physical causes of ED include1:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Heart disease
- Prostate surgery
ED also occurs frequently in men who have clinical depression or are taking antidepressant medications (however, you should continue to take these medications unless your doctor advises you otherwise). Lifestyle factors can also be important, as smoking, alcohol can all contribute to the problem.1
ED is a common problem
The World Health Organisation has defined Erectile Dysfunction (ED) as "the consistent or recurrent inability of a man to attain and/or maintain a penile erection sufficient for sexual performance."3 ED is one of the most common male sexual disorders.4 The good news is that it is treatable about 95 percent of the time.5 Although the terms ED and impotence can be used to describe the same thing, ED is preferable because it is more precise.7
Although psychology can play a role in sexual function and desire, most erection problems have an underlying physical cause.2 You can take our self-assessment quiz to help you identify issues. These should be discussed with your doctor.
ED is a common condition. It can be progressive.7
The information contained here will help you understand ED and its causes.
How does ED affect men?
Men with ED can experience low self-esteem, performance anxiety, depressive states, stress, guilt and relationship conflicts, and sometimes these can make the problem worse.6
Click here for more information about the impact of ED
ED can affect partners too
ED can be harmful to a relationship. ED can affect a man's self image and his relationship with his partner, both physically and emotionally.7
Talk to your doctor
An evaluation of medical and sexual history is necessary to assess and treat ED effectively.2 Talk to your doctor about what evaluations and possible treatment choices are most appropriate in your case. Of course, you should always check with your doctor before taking any medication. Your doctor is the best source of medical information.
 Back to What is ED menu
1 Lue TF. Erectile Dysfunction. N Engl J Med 2000;342:1802-1813.
2 Miller TA. Diagnostic evaluation of Erectile Dysfunction. American Family Physician, viewed 1 Jan 2000, http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000101/95.html
3 Jardin A, Wagner G, Khoury, Guliano F, Goldstein I, Padma-Nathan H. Editors recommendations of the first international consultation on Erectile Dysfunction, co-sponsored by the World Health Organisation (WHO) Plymouth: Health Publications Ltd
4 Ojumu A, Dobs A. Is Hypogonadism a risk factor for Sexual Dysfunction. Journal of Andrology 2003: (24) 46-51
5 PBS NOVA Online, “The Truth About Impotence” by Dr Irwin Goldstein, viewed 11 Jan 2010, http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/impotence/causes 2009
6 NIH – Erectile Dysfunction, viewed 11 January 2010, http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/impotence/
7 NIH Consensus Conference. Impotence. NIH Consensus Development Panel on Impotence JAMA. 1993;270(1):83-90.
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