If you’re having trouble getting or keeping an erection, you may be curious about erectile dysfunction (ED).
More men experience ED as they get older, but it isn’t a normal part of aging. Age also doesn’t cause erectile dysfunction issues.
Here are five facts about erectile dysfunction, including what causes a weak erection, along with tips for talking to your doctor about ED.
What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is when you can’t get or maintain an erection firm enough for sex.
Once referred to as being impotent, having ED isn’t psychological as experts once thought. That said, stress or emotional issues, like depression or anxiety, can contribute to erectile dysfunction.
Now mostly considered a physical or medical issue, ED can happen if:
- An insufficient amount of blood flows into the penis.
- Nerve signals from the brain can’t reach the penis.
- The penis can’t trap the blood during an erection.
5 Facts About Erectile Dysfunction
Here are five facts about ED you should know.
1. ED is common
ED is the most common sexual problem men report to their doctor. According to the Urology Care Foundation, about 30 million men in the U.S. have ED.
Occasional ED is normal, even in younger men. But when it becomes an ongoing problem, it’s time to see your doctor.
2. ED is a possible sign of heart disease or diabetes
Being unable to get or keep an erection can signal that something else is wrong. Frequent ED may be a warning sign of:
- Cardiovascular disease — High blood pressure or atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries) could interrupt blood flow to the penis.
- Diabetes — Diabetes can damage the nerves and blood vessels needed to get or sustain an erection.
- Prostate problems — If you have an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia), you’re more likely to have frequent ED.
3. There are common risk factors for ED
The most common risk factors for ED affect your body’s endocrine, nervous, or cardiovascular system. You’re also more likely to develop erection problems if you:
- Are over 50.
- Are overweight.
- Have diabetes.
- Have heart disease.
- Have high cholesterol.
- Lead a sedentary lifestyle.
- Smoke.
- Use drugs or drink too much alcohol.
4. Erectile dysfunction exercises can help
Your doctor may recommend erectile dysfunction exercises. Called Kegels, they strengthen your pelvic floor and improve blood flow to the penis.
You can do Kegels at any time — simply tighten and release the muscles you use to hold back urine. As those muscles get stronger, you can increase the length of the contractions and the number of repetitions.
5. You can lower your risk of getting ED
Living a healthy lifestyle lowers your chances of having chronic ED as you get older. Men who are obese or have related health conditions (high blood pressure, diabetes) have a greater chance of developing chronic ED.
To decrease the likelihood that you’ll suffer from erectile dysfunction:
- Cut down on alcohol — Too much alcohol can cause many health problems and contribute to ED.
- Eat a healthy diet — A diet rich in whole grains, lean protein, and fresh fruits and vegetables will help your body get the nutrients it needs.
- Exercise — Even moderate activity like walking can help increase blood flow throughout your body, including the penis. Exercise is also a mood booster, so you feel more confident and optimistic, too.
- Get regular checkups — The earlier you address and treat ED issues, the better. Make sure you schedule an annual physical so you can bring up any questions or concerns with your doctor.
- Lose weight if you need to — If you’re overweight, you’re more likely to have problems with ED.
- Stop smoking — Smoking can contribute to heart disease, which can lead to ED.
How To Talk to Your Doctor About Erectile Dysfunction
If you can’t get or keep an erection at least 25% of the time you have sex, or if you’re having erection problems more frequently, you should see your doctor.
Bringing up ED with your doctor may feel awkward. Rest assured, your doctor has heard questions about ED many times before. It’s a common problem, and you shouldn’t feel embarrassed about it.
Your doctor will do a physical exam, order tests, and ask you a lot of questions about your health history and lifestyle. Be as honest as you can in your answers — they need a complete picture of what’s going on with you and your body to diagnose ED.
Is There a Cure for Erectile Dysfunction?
If doctors can’t cure ED, they will find an effective treatment or lifestyle changes that can help you.
If you’ve experienced ED, you know how frustrating it can feel. But there are many treatment options for erectile dysfunction:
- Medication — Doctors often treat ED with drugs such as Viagra and Cialis, which you take an hour or so before sex. They increase blood flow to the penis and make an erection possible for many men with ED.
- Lifestyle changes — Sometimes a simple lifestyle change, such as losing weight and beginning an exercise program, is enough to improve your ED.
- Surgical procedures and other therapies — If other treatment options don’t work, your doctor may recommend penile implants, a vacuum device, or penile injections.