Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence is the inability to get and maintain an erection of the penis that is hard and enduring enough for satisfactory sexual intercourse.
ED is very common, particularly in middle-aged men. Half of all men between 40 and 70 years of age will experience ED at least once. There is a range of causes, both physical and psychological. Physical causes include:
- diabetes
- heart disease
- high blood pressure (hypertension)
- hormonal problems
Psychological causes include:
- anxiety
- stress
- depression
- relationship problems
Often, ED will disappear without treatment. If persistent ED is due to a serious underlying health condition, such as heart disease, the underlying condition must be tackled. If the cause is head injury, which can result in low levels of production of the hormone testosterone, the cure is the administrarion of extra testosterone.
Generally, the prognosis for ED is good. Some men will just need to make some lifestyle changes, such as losing weight and taking regular exercise. Other men may need to take medication such as sildenafil (known as Viagra).