What is Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?
What is Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) happens when you cannot achieve or maintain an erection that’s satisfactory for sexual intercourse. ED is very common, affecting as many as 30 million people in the United States. Our physicians understand what you are going through and have exceptional experience treating erectile dysfunction. If you believe you’re having symptoms of erectile dysfunction, talking with your primary care doctor is a good place to start.
Signs & Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction
SymptomsErectile dysfunction (ED) may be short-term or last a long time. If you have ED, you may:
- Be able to get an erection sometimes, but not all the time
- Achieve an erection but not sustain it long enough to have sex
- Have an erection that does not achieve adequate rigidity for sex
- Never have an erection at all
What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?
CausesThe causes of erectile dysfunction (ED) may be physical, psychological, or a combination of both.
Physical causes of ED
ED most often happens when blood flow to the penis is impaired. It is more common in older people, but age alone does not cause ED. Problems with the nerves controlling erection may also result in ED.
The following diseases and disorders can cause or be associated with ED:
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Atherosclerosis
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Chronic kidney disease
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (benign enlargement of the prostate) with urinary symptoms
- Peyronie’s disease (a build-up of scar tissue inside the penis)
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Sleep disorders
- Low testosterone
- Current cigarette smoking
- Obesity
- Leading a sedentary lifestyle
- Treatments for prostate or bladder cancer (such as radiation therapy and surgery)
- Injury to the spinal cord, bladder, prostate, penis, or pelvis
Medications that may cause ED
Some medicines raise the risk of ED, including:
- Antihypertensive drugs (blood pressure medicine)
- Antidepressants and other psychiatric medicines
- Hormonal therapy for prostate cancer
- Opiates
- Appetite suppressants
- Sedatives
- Ulcer medicines
Psychological causes of ED
Some men develop ED due to:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress
- Fear of sexual failure (performance anxiety)
- Low self-esteem
- Guilt about having sex or engaging in certain sexual activities
Risk Factors for Erectile Dysfunction
Risk FactorsPeople may have a greater chance of developing ED if they:
- Smoking tobacco products
- Previous prostate or bladder cancer treatment
- Diabetes
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Being overweight
- Using certain illegal drugs
- A sedentary lifestyle
- Taking medications that can cause ED as a side effect
- Injury that affects the blood vessels or nerves controlling erections
How to Prevent Erectile Dysfunction
PreventionWhile erectile dysfunction (ED) is not always preventable, you can reduce your risk by:
- Avoiding smoking
- Consuming alcohol only in moderation, if at all
- Being physically active
- Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight
- Following your doctor’s guidance to manage any chronic health problems
- Getting help to reduce anxiety, depression, or stress
Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Erectile Dysfunction Care
At NewYork-Presbyterian, we understand that it may be difficult to talk about erectile dysfunction (ED), but our experts are here to help. There’s no shame in talking about wanting a healthy sex life.
Make an in-person appointment at one of our NewYork-Presbyterian campuses or medical groups or schedule a telehealth visit to learn what treatments may be available. We offer same-day appointments for critical needs, convenient scheduling with early, late, and weekend hours, connection with your healthcare team through our patient portal, and referrals to NewYork-Presbyterian specialists. Most insurances are accepted. Reach out to us today.