What is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection adequate for sexual intercourse. It refers only to the ability to have erection and does not affect normal sensation, sex drive, or the ability to have an orgasm.

"According to the American Foundation for Urologic Disease, erectile dysfunction affects an estimated 18 million men in the United States.  Data suggests that only a small percentage of men actually seek and receive treatment, even though erectile dysfunction can usually be treated successfully."

The penis is a complex structure of muscle, blood vessels, and nerves.

When a man becomes aroused, nerves signal the smooth muscle of the penis to relax. This allows arteries to pump more blood into the chambers inside the muscle. As the penis lengthens, the veins stretch and shut themselves off, which traps blood inside the penis.

After ejaculation, the smooth muscle contracts, the veins loosen their hold so blood can leave the penis, and the erection fades away.

Most erectile dysfunction is caused by a physical condition that affects the nerves or blood vessels responsible for erections.

Causes include diabetes, vascular disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, surgery or radiation therapy for prostate cancer, or the side effects of medication. Psychological causes include anxiety, depression, or stress.