Erectile Dysfunction

·       Erectile dysfunction (ED) is when it’s hard for a man to achieve or keep an erection. It affects 1 out of 2 men over the age of 50 and often signals an underlying health and/or emotional problem. It’s important to talk with your doctor if you experience ED so you can work together to find and treat the cause. 

Definition 

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the most common sexual problem men report to their doctor. ED means it is hard for a man to achieve or keep an erection. It affects 1 out of 2 men over the age of 50. ED can often signal an underlying health and/or emotional problem. This is why it’s important to find and treat the cause of ED. Some known risk factors are: 

·       Being over the age of 50 

·       High blood sugar – diabetes

·       High blood pressure

·       Cardiovascular disease

·       High cholesterol

·       Smoking 

·       Drugs or drinking too much alcohol 

·       Obesity 

·       Lack of exercise

The exact cause of ED is unknown but it is linked to a number of physical and emotional health problems. ED happens when: 

·       There is not enough blood flow into the penis 

·       The penis cannot trap blood during an erection

·       Nerve signals from the brain or spinal cord do not reach the penis 

·       Diabetes can cause small vessel disease or nerve damage to the penis 

·       Cancer treatments near the pelvis can affect the penis’s functionality 

·       Drugs used to treat other health problems can cause ED 

·       Depression

·       Anxiety 

·       Relationship conflicts

·       Stress at home or work 

·       Stress from social, cultural or religious conflicts 

·       Worry about sex performance 

Your health care team can talk with you about your symptoms and identify a treatment option that works for you. The more honest you are with your provider, the better chance you have of finding the right treatment.