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When a person with a penis becomes sexually aroused, a muscle in the blood vessels of the penis relaxes. This allows more blood to flow through the penile arteries, filling two chambers in the penis.
As the chambers fill with blood, the penis becomes erect. The veins in the penis contract to keep blood in the penis and maintain an erection.
An erection ends when the muscles of the blood vessels
contract, and the accumulated blood can drain through the veins of the penis.
What is erectile dysfunction (ED)?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. It is sometimes referred to as "impotence," but that term is used less often now.
Erectile dysfunction can occur from time to time or frequently:
Occasional erectile dysfunction is not uncommon. Many people
experience it during times of stress or as a result of a recent change in diet
or lifestyle.
However, frequent ED can be a sign of health problems that
need treatment. It can also be a symptom of emotional or relationship issues
that you may want to address with a professional.
How common is ED?
About 30 million American men have erectile dysfunction, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
The prevalence of ED increases with age. The University of Wisconsin estimates that mild to moderate erectile dysfunction affects 10% more men in each decade of life. For example, 60% of men in their 60s could experience some form of erectile dysfunction.
However, erectile dysfunction can also occur in younger people. A 2013 study found that 1 in 4 men seeking their first ED treatment were under the age of 40. The researchers observed a stronger correlation between smoking, drug use, and erectile dysfunction in these men compared to older men. This suggests that lifestyle choices are a significant factor in erectile dysfunction in younger men.
Although the risk of ED increases with age, ED is not inevitable. In general, the healthier you are, the better your sexual function will be. Learn more about ageing and erectile dysfunction.
Explore the connection between erectile dysfunction and type 2 diabetes. If you have diabetes, work with your doctor to control your blood sugar levels. This can help prevent damage that can lead to erectile dysfunction.
Causes of erectile dysfunction
There are many possible causes of ED, and they can include
both emotional and physical conditions. Common physical causes are:
What causes an erection?
What is ED?
How common is ED?
Causes
symptoms
diagnosis
Treatment
alternative treatments
surgery
prevention
When to call a doctor
frequent questions
Carry off
Getty Images/Richard Drury
What causes an erection?
Erectile dysfunction can occur due to problems at any stage of the erection process. An erection is the result of increased blood flow to the penis. Sexual thoughts or direct contact with your penis usually stimulate this blood flow.
When a person with a penis becomes sexually aroused, a muscle in the blood vessels of the penis relaxes. This allows more blood to flow through the penile arteries, filling two chambers in the penis.
As the chambers fill with blood, the penis becomes erect. The veins in the penis contract to keep blood in the penis and maintain an erection.
An erection ends when the muscles of the blood vessels contract, and the accumulated blood can drain through the veins of the penis.
What is erectile dysfunction (ED)?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. It is sometimes referred to as "impotence," but that term is used less often now.
Erectile dysfunction can occur from time to time or frequently:
Occasional erectile dysfunction is not uncommon. Many people
experience it during times of stress or as a result of a recent change in diet
or lifestyle.
However, frequent ED can be a sign of health problems that
need treatment. It can also be a symptom of emotional or relationship issues
that you may want to address with a professional.
How common is ED?
About 30 million American men have erectile dysfunction. read more.