Erectile dysfunction - meaning and definition
AlsoEDimpotenceerection problemserectile difficultiesimpotency
Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
Erectile dysfunction is an ongoing difficulty getting or keeping an erection firm enough for the sex a person wants. Occasional difficulty is normal and not the same thing.
At a glance
- Erectile dysfunction is ongoing difficulty getting or keeping an erection for the sex a person wants.
- Occasional difficulty is normal and not the same thing.
- Causes can be physical, such as heart disease, diabetes or medications, psychological, or both.
- Persistent ED can be an early sign of heart or blood vessel disease.
- Treatments include lifestyle changes, tablets that improve blood flow, devices and therapy.
In detail
Erections depend on healthy blood vessels, nerves, hormones and mood, so erectile dysfunction can have physical causes such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or medications, and psychological causes such as stress, anxiety or relationship problems. Often both play a part.
Because it can be an early sign of heart or blood vessel disease, persistent erectile dysfunction is worth discussing with a doctor. Treatments include lifestyle changes, tablets that improve blood flow, devices, and counselling or sex therapy. The older word "impotence" is less used today because it can sound stigmatising.
In a sentence
- His doctor checked his blood pressure and blood sugar when he mentioned erectile dysfunction.
- The leaflet says occasional erection problems are normal and not the same as ED.
Where the word comes from
The term erectile dysfunction largely replaced the older word impotence in medical usage from around the 1990s, partly because impotence can sound stigmatising.
Not to be confused with
- Premature ejaculation
Premature ejaculation is about timing of ejaculation, not the ability to get an erection.
Common questions
Is erectile dysfunction serious?
Occasional difficulty is normal. Persistent erectile dysfunction is worth discussing with a doctor, because it can be an early sign of heart or blood vessel disease and because effective treatments exist.
Can stress cause erectile dysfunction?
Yes. Stress, anxiety and relationship problems can all contribute, and often physical and psychological causes play a part together. Counselling or sex therapy can help alongside medical treatment.
Related terms
Sources
- NHSErectile dysfunction (impotence)
- MedlinePlusErectile Dysfunction