What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is when a man has difficulty getting an erection or keeping it long enough for sex. It’s also sometimes known as impotence. And it happens when not enough blood flows to the penis, so preventing an erection. Now ED may be much more common than you think and more than half of men over the age of 40 have some difficulty in getting and maintaining an erection so your age can be a factor but it’s not the same for everyone. And some men can’t get an erection at all and some can, but it’s not hard enough for sex. Others can get a hard erection but then lose it before or during sex.

Now ED is not all in your head and it’s not just a part of ageing that you have to accept. It is a real medical condition and so it should be treated like one. So, is there an ED test? Well no. To find out if you have ED your doctor will simply ask about your symptoms, your health and your lifestyle, and this will help them learn what’s causing your ED and what treatments may help.  

Having ED problems used to be a taboo subject but fortunately that’s no longer the case so you don’t have to feel embarrassed talking about this problem. If you think you may have ED then you should see your doctor so they can diagnose and properly treat it. Also talk to your partner about your plan, and if you’re willing, always include them in this journey.