Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction means trouble getting or keeping an erection firm enough for sex. It is common. It can be an early sign of blood vessel disease, diabetes, hormone problems, medication effects, or stress. NIDDK defines ED this way and notes that it often has treatable causes.
Symptoms
Trouble getting an erection, trouble keeping an erection, reduced firmness, lower sexual confidence, and relationship stress around sex.
Causes and risk
Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, low testosterone, anxiety or depression, medication side effects, poor sleep, and sleep apnea.
How it is evaluated
Evaluation often includes a medical history, sexual history, mental health review, physical exam, and lab work. NIDDK says diagnosis commonly uses history, exam, and testing based on the cause being considered.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause. Common options include lifestyle changes, medication, treatment of low testosterone when appropriate, counseling, and management of diabetes or blood pressure.
When to seek care
Get checked if erectile issues happen more than once or start to affect confidence, relationships, or quality of life.