What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or maintain an erection firm enough for satisfactory sexual intercourse. The condition is typically diagnosed when difficulties persist for more than three months and occur repeatedly during sexual encounters. Men with ED may still experience desire, arousal, orgasm, and ejaculation despite the erection problem.
Key points:
- Erectile dysfunction can result from physical causes such as hormone imbalances, nerve damage, or blood vessel disease
- Psychological factors, stress, anxiety, and certain medications can also contribute to the condition
- ED is a common problem, particularly in men over 40, though occasional difficulty with erections is normal and not necessarily a sign of the condition
- The severity of erectile dysfunction is measured using standardized assessments that evaluate how often erections occur and how firm they are
This text has been fact-checked for accuracy by Sorin Romaniuc, Pharmacist at medino.