Erectile Dysfunction - What Is It and How Can It Be Treated?
Erectile Dysfunction - What Is It and How Can It Be Treated? Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition where a man cannot get and keep an erection long enough for sexual intercourse. This is not to be confused with “stage fright” where a man might periodically not be able to get an erection due to nervousness, stress, or other factors such as excessive alcohol consumption. ED is an ongoing condition that continuously affects the ability to gain an erection. What causes erectile dysfunction? Erectile dysfunction can be caused by physical or psychological issues. On the physical side, some causes can include: - Dead or clogged blood vessels in the penis - Injury to the pelvic region - Low testosterone levels - Heart disease - High blood pressure - High cholesterol - Diabetes - Obesity - Tobacco use - Alcoholism or substance abuse Psychological issues that can contribute to ED include depression, anxiety, mental health condi