Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to develop or maintain an erection firm enough for satisfying sexual intercourse. If you cannot get a strong, reliable erection at least half of the time, you may be experiencing ED.
Your erection is closely tied to your overall health. A failing erection can be an early warning sign of a more serious condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease, which is why we always look for the underlying cause rather than only treating the symptom.
Erectile dysfunction is often linked to a specific medical condition or a combination of factors, including:
There is a clear link between lifestyle and erectile function. Things that are unhealthy for the body in general tend to also inhibit the body's ability to get and maintain an erection: