Erectile Dysfunction: Causes, Treatment Options & What Men Should Know

Erectile dysfunction (ED) means regularly having difficulty getting or keeping an erection firm enough for sex. It is common, but it should not automatically be dismissed as a normal part of aging.

What counts as erectile dysfunction?

NIDDK describes ED symptoms as being able to get an erection only sometimes, getting one that does not last long enough for sex, or being unable to get an erection. Occasional difficulty can happen, but persistent problems deserve attention.

Common causes of ED

Erectile function depends on blood flow, nerves, hormones and psychological factors. Conditions affecting blood vessels or nerves — including cardiovascular disease and diabetes — can contribute. Low testosterone or thyroid problems may also play a role, as can certain medicines. Anxiety, stress, depression, smoking, excess alcohol and low physical activity can contribute as well.

Evidence-based ED treatment

Healthcare professionals may first address an underlying cause. Lifestyle changes can include stopping smoking, reducing alcohol, increasing physical activity, maintaining a healthy body weight and following a healthy eating plan. Counseling can be useful when anxiety, stress or other emotional factors are involved.

Prescription ED medications

Prescription PDE5 inhibitors such as sildenafil and tadalafil improve blood flow to the penis and can help some men get and maintain an erection. They are medicines with known indications, contraindications and side effects — not over-the-counter supplements. A clinician can help determine whether they are appropriate, especially for men who use nitrates or have cardiovascular conditions.

What about “natural ED supplements”?

Dietary supplements are regulated differently from prescription drugs. FDA does not approve dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before marketing. Some supplement ingredients may have limited or emerging research, but that is not the same as proving that a particular finished supplement treats erectile dysfunction.

That is why MenCore Health reviews male-performance supplements as wellness products, not as proven ED cures. Pages that promise a “permanent cure for erectile dysfunction” or guaranteed erection outcomes should be approached cautiously.

When should a man see a doctor?

Talk with a healthcare professional if ED is persistent, worsening, began suddenly, is accompanied by other symptoms, or is affecting quality of life. ED can sometimes be a signal of an underlying health problem, so evaluation may offer benefits beyond sexual function.

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