Erectile dysfunction – also known as ED – is when a man can’t get or maintain an erection long enough to have sex.
If you’re currently experiencing erectile dysfunction, you’re not alone. Here's your guide to everything you need to know about erectile dysfunction, including how to make it better.
The most common symptoms of erectile dysfunction are:
Erectile dysfunction can be caused by psychological issues, or physical issues. Sometimes it’s a combination or both. Here are the usual suspects.
According to research, 20% of erectile dysfunction cases are caused by psychological issues. Mental or emotional problems – even minor ones -- can interfere with your ability to get or keep an erection. Psychological ED triggers can include:
Erectile dysfunction can also cause psychological problems, like depression and anger, which create a spiral of problems that prolong the ED. Learn more about the psychological impact of erectile dysfunction here.
Most cases of ED are caused by physical issues. Many of these are age-related, but some can be caused by illness or just living a party lifestyle. The most common physical causes are:
Most men will experience some erectile dysfunction at some point. You don’t have to call an ambulance if you fail to perform one night. But if you suffer from erectile dysfunction that gets worse, or doesn’t go away after a few weeks, it’s a good idea to see a GP. This isn’t just to get help for the erection problems, it’s also because ED can be a symptom of serious illnesses like heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes, that can be life-threatening.
If you’d rather not see your usual GP, you can consult one of the friendly, discreet online GPs here, online. See a GP online
As well as checking your overall health, a doctor can also discuss the different treatment options erectile dysfunction.
Erectile Dysfunction is diagnosed by a doctor after taking a full patient history, and (if in person) a physical examination of your penis and testicles. Your overall health will be assessed, with a blood-pressure reading and possibly a blood test to check your testosterone and cholesterol levels, and to look for diabetes.
During the appointment you’ll be asked if there might be any psychological reasons for your erectile problems, like ongoing stress, depression, or emotional issues. If a psychological cause is suspected, you might be referred to a counsellor or therapist.
If the physical examination shows any issues, you’ll be referred to a specialist, usually a urinology consultant.
There are many different treatment options for erectile dysfunction, and around 80-90% of cases can be successfully treated. The most common treatments if ED are:
If you’ve simply been burning your candle at both ends, so to speak, you’ll be put on a healthy regime. Many cases of ED are caused by a general lack of fitness. Your GP will suggest that you start with:
If you’re in good shape and there aren’t any obvious reasons why you’ve developed ED, your doctor might suggest medication. These are suitable for most people, although men with heart problems can’t take PDE-5 inhibitors.
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If you’re the gadget-loving type, you can try a Penis Pump. This is a handheld device that creates a vacuum around the penis, herding blood inside like a lusty sheepdog. The effects are almost immediate.
Penile Implants (also known as Penile Prostheses) are recommended only for men who’ve permanently lost their ability to achieve an erection – for example, after bladder or prostate cancer treatment. Implants are fitted during surgery.
An emerging treatment for erectile dysfunction is shockwave therapy. And yes, it’s exactly what you dread it could be: electric shocks delivered straight into your manhood. So far it’s still in clinical trials, but it is showing promising effects for men suffering from vascular ED. Definitely don’t try this at home.
Read more about all the treatments for erectile dysfunction here
Generally, erectile dysfunction is a side effect of getting older. It’s much more likely to happen to men after the age of 40. Unless you plan on living fast and dying young, you can’t avoid the risk of ED completely.
However, there are steps you can take to minimise your risk of ED.
Erectile dysfunction is much more common in men who are overweight. Maintain a healthy BMI.
The longer you smoke, the greater your chances of experiencing erectile dysfunction. If you smoke, quit now. Today. Certainly before tonight. And don’t just switch to vaping; new research is suggesting vapes might also be a risk factor for erectile dysfunction.
Protect your heart, protect your parts. Most erectile dysfunction is caused by vascular issues, so do everything you can to keep your blood pumping. Regular exercise is excellent. Plus, strength training (with weights) can also give your testosterone levels a boost. There’s little evidence that cycling causes ED, but one study suggested that reclining bikes might be healthier for your penis than upright bikes.
Start attending all those “Well Man” check-up appointments you usually ignore. A major cause of erectile dysfunction is having to have radical treatment for prostate problems.
Try not to become addicted to pornography. Evidence is mounting that excessive masturbation – specifically when watching porn – might be causing men to develop ED at a young age. There’s no clear clinical link yet, but recent statistics suggest some correlation. In 1992, about 5% of men experienced ED at age 40, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health. But in 2012, a Swiss study found the condition among a third of men aged 18 to 25.
If your partner suffers from erectile dysfunction, they’ll rely on you to be supportive, understanding and kind. There are several ways you can help them, including a sexual therapy technique known as Sensate Focus. Read more about how to help your partner with erectile dysfunction here.
This blog was written by Kate Taylor, a Sex Expert, Sex and Dating Features Writer, columnist and author of five books, for HealthHero.ie.