About Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is the most common sexual problem that men report to their doctor, being that it affects nearly 30 million men.
ED is defined as not being able to get or keep an erection that is firm enough for sexual intercourse. This can happen when:
- Blood flow to the penis is limited or nerves are damaged
- Stress / emotional reasons (depression, anxiety, stress)
- Sign of a more seriousness conditions (blocked arteries, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes)
ED becomes more common as men age, however, aging is not always going to cause ED. In some cases, a man can function sexually into their 80's. If men are experiencing symptoms of erectile dysfunction at an early age, it may be a sign of a more serious health problem.
A physical exam of the penis and testicles is the primary test to check for ED. Your provider may order a blood test and collect a urine sample to look for health problems that cause ED. Some advanced ED testing options include blood work, ultrasounds, or pelvic x-rays.
ED Treatments