What is erectile dysfunction?
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases defines ED as difficulty getting or keeping an erection firm enough for sex. Occasional erection trouble can happen, but persistent problems deserve a closer look.
Why erectile dysfunction happens
Blood flow
Heart and blood-vessel conditions, high blood pressure, diabetes and smoking can affect circulation needed for erections.
Nerves & hormones
Neurologic conditions, pelvic surgery, low testosterone and thyroid problems may play a role.
Stress & medications
Performance anxiety, depression, relationship stress and some medications can contribute.
Erectile dysfunction treatment
Evidence-based treatment depends on the cause. Options can include lifestyle changes, counseling, prescription PDE5 inhibitors such as sildenafil or tadalafil, vacuum devices, injectable or urethral medicines, and—in selected cases—surgery.
Read our complete erectile dysfunction treatment guide →
ED and low libido are not the same thing
This distinction matters. ED is about erection quality. Libido is about sexual desire. A man can want sex but have erection difficulty, or have normal erections but little interest in sex.
See ED vs low libido: how to tell the difference →