Definition & Facts for Erectile Dysfunction

In this section:

• What is ED?
• How common is ED?
• Who is more likely to have ED?
• What are the complications of ED?

What is ED?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition that prevents you from getting or keeping an erection that is firm enough for sex. You may be uncomfortable talking about ED. However, a healthy sex life is part of healthy living, and ED can often be treated.

Does ED have another name?

ED is sometimes called impotence, but this term is not used as much now.

How common is ED?

ED is more common as people get older.
ED is common. Research suggests that between 30 million and 50 million men in the United States have ED.1

ED is more common as people get older. At age 40, about 40% of men are affected, while 70% report having ED by age 70.1

Who is more likely to have ED?

You are more likely to have ED as you get older. However, ED is not a routine part of aging. Other factors that make you more likely to have ED include

• certain diseases or conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity
• medicines you take, such as blood pressure medicines and antidepressants
• mental health or emotional issues, such as anxiety and stress
• lifestyle behaviors, such as smoking cigarettes or drinking too much alcohol

Your health care professional can help find the cause of your ED and talk with you about treatments.

What are the complications of ED?

Complications of ED may include

• an unfulfilled sex life
• a loss of intimacy between you and your partner
• mental health or emotional issues, such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem
• being unable to get a partner pregnant

Reference

1] Leslie SW, Sooriyamoorthy T. Erectile dysfunction. In: StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing; 2024. Updated January 9, 2024. Accessed January 31, 2024. [www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562253/

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