Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a medical condition that affects more than 30 million men in the United States. For some men, ED is mild, resulting in occasional problems getting or maintaining an erection. But for others, it’s a more severe condition where problems with erections happen often—or always. In most cases, however, ED is treatable.

Although many men have ED, not all of them experience it in the same way. ED can mean that:

•You can’t get an erection at all
•You get an erection, but it’s not hard enough for penetration
•You get an erection, but you can’t maintain it until sexual activity is over
Think you might have ED? Take the short ED Quiz to find out. If your results point to ED, talk with your doctor to get more information and discuss your treatment options.

What Can Cause ED?

There are many things that can contribute to erectile dysfunction (ED)—from physical issues, like another health condition, to possible side effects of medicines that you're taking. Even emotional or personal issues can play a role. For these reasons, ED may not just go away on its own. But for most men, ED can be treated, whether the cause is physical or psychological.

Some possible physical conditions and factors that can lead to ED include:
High blood pressure (also called hypertension)
High blood pressure can damage blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the penis.

Diabetes can increase the chances of having ED. Over time, high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and nerves in the penis.

Over time, high blood cholesterol can cause blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the penis, to narrow. If this happens, then not enough blood flows into the penis for a firm erection.

Diseases that affect the nerves, such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis, can increase the chances of having ED. The penis may not receive nerve messages from the brain or spinal cord. And without the nerve messages, blood may not flow into the penis.

Surgery or injuries to the pelvic area can damage nerves or blood vessels leading to the penis.

Low levels of male hormone (testosterone) may affect a man's ability to get an erection. ED can also happen when a man's thyroid hormone level is too high or too low.

Smoking, being overweight, drinking too much alcohol, not being physically active, or using recreational drugs can cause ED.

ED can be a side effect of some medicines, including those that treat high blood pressure and antihistamines (like medicines that treat allergies). If you take one of these medicines and think it may be causing ED, don't stop taking it without first talking with your doctor.

Less often, ED may be caused by emotional or personal issues—from ongoing stress or relationship problems to depression or anxiety about sexual performance.

What Role Does Age Play?

It's true that as men get older, sexual function is likely to decrease, even in healthy men. Erectile dysfunction (ED) also becomes more common. But more often than not, ED may be caused by other health problems, such as heart disease or diabetes.

The important thing to understand is that ED affects men of all ages. Simply getting older by itself does not lead to ED, nor is ED just a natural part of aging that men have to accept. It's a real medical condition that affects more than 30 million men in the United States, both young and old.

Is it really ED?

You may want to talk with your partner before making a decision to seek treatment. That way, you'll both be able to talk openly about any sexual problems you may be having, and how they're impacting you.

From there, you can make an appointment to talk with your doctor to determine if you have ED, or if you are experiencing normal changes in sexual function. If you do have ED, there are treatments that can help improve your ability to get an erection.

One of the best ways to overcome erectile dysfunction is to use Cialis.