FAQs

ED is defined as the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection that is firm enough to have sexual intercourse.1
There is no single cause of ED. There are physical and psychological reasons for ED. Some common causes are ED can result from physical and psychological factors2-4, including:
  • Cardiovascular diseases
  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Obesity
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Smoking and alcohol use
  • Stress, anxiety, and depression

Symptoms for ED may include3:

  • Getting an erection, but it doesn’t last long enough for sex
  • Getting a partial erection that is not firm enough to have sex
  • Not being able to get an erection at all
Aging can increase the likelihood of ED due to changes in blood flow, hormone levels, and overall health. However, ED is not an inevitable part of aging, and many older men can maintain healthy sexual function with appropriate interventions5.
  • ED is often a sign of another medical issues like Diabetes, Cardiovascular diseases. Although ED and diabetes are two separate conditions, they tend to go hand in hand. Half of men with diabetes will experience ED within 10 years of their diagnosis3. For some men, ED may be the first symptom of diabetes even if they have not yet been diagnosed, particularly in men younger than 45 years high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and nerves responsible for erectile function.6
  • ED is a warning sign of heart problems. Cardiovascular disease and ED share many of the same risk factors. If you’re experiencing symptoms of ED, chances are you have or will develop coronary artery disease or coronary vascular disease and could be at risk for a heart attack or stroke. The severity of the ED directly correlates with the severity of heart disease in many patients.7
Yes, ED can affect men of all ages, although it is more common in older men. Young men may experience ED due to psychological factors, lifestyle choices, or underlying health conditions.5

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can often be effectively managed or treated, but whether it can be “cured” depends on the underlying cause. Here are some points to consider:

  • Lifestyle Changes: For many men, making healthy lifestyle changes can significantly improve ED. This includes regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, and managing stress.8.
  • Treating Underlying Conditions: If ED is caused by an underlying health condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or hormonal imbalances, effectively managing these conditions can improve erectile function. For example, better control of diabetes or blood pressure can improve ED symptoms.9.10
  • Psychological Counseling: When ED has a psychological component, therapy or counseling can be very effective. Addressing stress, anxiety, depression, or relationship issues can lead to significant improvements.11

When it comes to your health, a few changes can make a big difference. Try these tips to improve your overall health and your ED8:

  • Stop smoking. Smoking and other tobacco use narrows your blood vessels. So, less blood can reach your penis. Also, smoking lowers your body’s levels of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide signals your body to let blood flow to your penis. Less nitric oxide means less blood flow.Less blood flow can cause or worsen erectile dysfunction.
  • Think about what you eat. There’s no one-size-fits-all diet plan for a person with diabetes. But a provider can offer the right blend of carbs, protein, and fat for your health. And they can tell you which kinds of foods are the best match for you.
  • Lose excess pounds. Being overweight can cause or worsen erectile dysfunction.
  • Get moving. Exercise helps other conditions that can cause erectile dysfunction. It boosts blood flow while helping lower stress and weight. Start where you are. A provider can help create a plan that works with your abilities.
  • Reduce or quit alcohol consumption. Alcohol can impact erectile dysfunction. If you choose to drink alcohol, balance is key.
Recreational drugs, alcohol and cigarettes can cause serious damage to your blood vessels and restrict blood flow to your penis, which leads to ED.
You should see a doctor if you have persistent problems with erections that affect your sexual performance or if you have concerns about your sexual health. Early medical evaluation can help diagnose any underlying conditions and determine the appropriate treatment.

References

  1. Erectile dysfunction. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/erectiledysfunction.html. Accessed May 2015.
  2. Shabsigh R, Lue TF. A Clinician’s Guide to ED Management. New York: Haymarket Media Inc.; 2006.
  3. Sexual health - Erectile dysfunction patient guide by American urology association 2021.
  4. Erectile dysfunction (ED). American Urological Association.https://www.auanet.org/meetings-and-education/for-medical-students/medical-students-curriculum/ed. American Urological Association Web site. Accessed January 21, 2013.
  5. Ferrini MG, Gonzalez-Cadavid NF, Rajfer J. Aging related erectile dysfunction-potential mechanism to halt or delay its onset. Transl Androl Urol. 2017 Feb;6(1):20-27.
  6. Defeudis G, Mazzilli R, Tenuta M, Rossini G, Zamponi V, Olana S, Faggiano A, Pozzilli P, Isidori AM, Gianfrilli D. Erectile dysfunction and diabetes: A melting pot of circumstances and treatments. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2022 Feb;38(2):e3494.
  7. Vlachopoulous C, Jackson G, Stefanadis C, et al. Erectile dysfunction in the cardiovascular patient. Eur Heart J. 2013 Jul;34(27):2034-46.
  8. Sexual health - Erectile dysfunction patient guide by American urology association 2021.
  9. Miner, M. M., et al (2007). “Erectile Dysfunction: A Harbinger or Consequence of Cardiovascular Disease?” Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 49(11), 1137-1141.
  10. Thorve, V. S.,et al (2011). “Diabetes-induced erectile dysfunction: epidemiology, pathophysiology, and management.” Journal of Diabetes and its Complications, 25(2), 129-136.
  11. Rajkumar, R. P., & Kumaran, A. K. (2015). “Psychiatric morbidity and personality disorders in patients with sexual dysfunctions.” Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 57(3), 272-278.
  12. Franco, R., De Lisa, A., Smeraldi, A., Giorgio, E., & Turati, F. (2016). “Lifestyle factors and erectile dysfunction: A lesson from the Italian Men’s Health Study.” Journal of Sexual Medicine, 13(7), 1103-1110.
  13. Khera, M et al. (2016). “Diagnosis and Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction for Reduction of Cardiovascular Risk.” Journal of Sexual Medicine, 13(5), 600-607.
  14. ED - Erectile Dysfunction.

IN-NON-2024-00063