[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/09\/5-things-you-should-know-about-erectile-dysfunction\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/09\/5-things-you-should-know-about-erectile-dysfunction\/","headline":"5 Things You Should Know About Erectile Dysfunction","name":"5 Things You Should Know About Erectile Dysfunction","description":"Erectile dysfunction is common, but it's not an inevitable part of aging. Here's what you need to know about how you can cure ED.","datePublished":"2021-09-29","dateModified":"2026-01-23","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/urology-regions","name":"Urology","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/urology-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/urology\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/headshot-of-handsome-adult-man-outdoors-in-looking-at-setting-sun-picture-id1038321758.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/headshot-of-handsome-adult-man-outdoors-in-looking-at-setting-sun-picture-id1038321758.jpg","height":327,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/09\/5-things-you-should-know-about-erectile-dysfunction\/","about":["Living and Wellness","Men's Health","Urology"],"wordCount":910,"keywords":["UPMC Men's Health Center"],"articleBody":"If you\u2019re 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\u2019t 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\u2019t 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 DysfunctionHere are five facts about ED you should know.1. ED is commonED 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\u2019s time to see your doctor.2. ED is a possible sign of heart disease or diabetesBeing unable to get or keep an erection can signal that something else is wrong. Frequent ED may be a warning sign of:Cardiovascular disease \u2014 High blood pressure or atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries) could interrupt blood flow to the penis.Diabetes \u2014 Diabetes can damage the nerves and blood vessels needed to get or sustain an erection.Prostate problems \u2014 If you have an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia), you’re more likely to have frequent ED.3. There are common risk factors for EDThe most common risk factors for ED affect your body\u2019s endocrine, nervous, or cardiovascular system. You\u2019re 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 helpYour 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 \u2014 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 EDLiving 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\u2019ll suffer from erectile dysfunction:Cut down on alcohol \u2014 Too much alcohol can cause many health problems and contribute to ED.Eat a healthy diet \u2014 A diet rich in whole grains, lean protein, and fresh fruits and vegetables will help your body get the nutrients it needs.Exercise \u2014 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 \u2014 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 \u2014 If you\u2019re overweight, you\u2019re more likely to have problems with ED.Stop smoking \u2014 Smoking can contribute to heart disease, which can lead to ED.How To Talk to Your Doctor About Erectile DysfunctionIf 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\u2019s a common problem, and you shouldn\u2019t 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 \u2014 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\u2019ve experienced ED, you know how frustrating it can feel. But there are many treatment options for erectile dysfunction:Medication \u2014\u00a0Doctors 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 \u2014 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 \u2014 If other treatment options don\u2019t work, your doctor may recommend penile implants, a vacuum device, or penile injections.SourcesUrology Care Foundation, What Is Erectile Dysfunction? LinkNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Definition and Facts for Erectile Dysfunction, LinkNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Preventing Erectile Dysfunction, Link"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2021","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"09","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/\/09\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"5 Things You Should Know About Erectile Dysfunction","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/09\/5-things-you-should-know-about-erectile-dysfunction\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]