Erectile Dysfunction

What is erectile dysfunction (ED)?

Erectile dysfunction — also called ED — is when your penis can't get hard enough to have sex, or you can't stay hard enough to finish having sex.

Many people have trouble getting or maintaining an erection at some point in their lives.

Does age cause erectile dysfunction (ED)?

Getting older is one of many things that can cause ED. But ED can happen at any age, and not all older people have ED. Many older people can get hard and enjoy sex, though older people may need more direct touch — like stroking — to get hard.

What causes erectile dysfunction?

In addition to getting older, erectile dysfunction can be caused at any age by:

• Stress, anxiety, and depression

• Various medicines

• Relationship issues

• Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), which also causes heart disease and stroke

• Chronic liver or kidney disease

• Diabetes (high blood sugar) 

• Hypertension (high blood pressure) 

• Low testosterone 

• Using alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs

How is erectile dysfunction treated? 

Your ED treatment will depend on the cause. Treatment options include: 

• Pills from a doctor or nurse — like Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis — may help you get and stay hard. But not everyone can use them safely. 

• A vacuum pump device that you put your penis in to help it get and stay hard (which should not be used if you don't have ED)

• Talking to a mental health specialist

• Medicines injected into your penis or put into your urethra

• Surgery 

If your doctor or nurse thinks you have erectile dysfunction, they may refer you to a urologist to talk about your treatment options.

What can I do to prevent erectile dysfunction?

Keeping your body healthy can help prevent erectile dysfunction:

• Stay at a weight that's healthy for you

• Avoid smoking

• Limit the amount of alcohol you drink

• Take care of any medical problems you might have

How can I handle ED emotionally?

If you have occasional erection problems, try to accept them as a normal part of your sex life. Talking to your partner, therapist, or a friend can help lift anxiety you may feel about it.  

If erectile dysfunction becomes an ongoing and unrelieved problem — and you’re upset about it — talk to a nurse or doctor at your nearest Planned Parenthood health center.