Erectile dysfunction (ED), sometimes called impotence, is the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. ED is very common, affecting about 30 million men in the United States alone. Here are some key facts about erectile dysfunction:
- ED has many potential causes, both physical and psychological. Physical causes include diabetes, heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and prostate cancer treatment. Psychological causes include stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship problems. Both physical and psychological issues often contribute.
- Several prescription medications are used to treat ED, like sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra). These drugs improve blood flow to the penis to help men get and sustain erections. Side effects may include headache, flushed skin, nasal congestion, back pain, or changes in vision.
- Lifestyle changes can also help overcome ED. Getting exercise, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and a healthy diet may reduce symptoms. For psychological ED, counseling with a mental health professional may help reduce anxiety, depression, and stress contributing to ED.
- Treating underlying health conditions that cause ED is important. Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol can often be improved with medications and healthy lifestyle changes. This may also alleviate ED symptoms.
I aimed to define erectile dysfunction, summarize major causes, overview standard treatments like medications and lifestyle changes, and emphasize the importance of addressing any underlying medical conditions contributing to ED. Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions on this common health issue that affects many men. I'm happy to provide more information without promoting specific companies or products.