Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors
3 min read
An occasional problem achieving an erection is nothing to worry about. But failure to do so more than half of the time at any age may indicate a condition that needs treatment. Are you at risk for erectile dysfunction (ED)? Take the following quiz and find out.
- Are you overweight? Yes or No
- Do you have any of the following conditions?
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Depression
- Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries from plaque)
- Kidney disease
- High blood pressure
- Spinal cord or nervous system disorders
- Any type of pelvic surgery
- Do you:
- Smoke
- Drink alcohol
- Use recreational drugs
- How often do you exercise?
- Daily
- Once or twice a week
- A couple of times a month
- I never seem to get around to it
- How often do you feel stressed?
- Much of the time
- Sometimes
- Rarely
Answers:
- Overweight men are more likely to have ED.
- Common causes of ED include nerve diseases, psychological conditions, and diseases that affect blood flow. A number of prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs may also cause ED by affecting a man's hormones, nerves, or blood circulation.
- Tobacco, alcohol, and recreational drugs can all damage a man's blood vessels and/or restrict blood flow to the penis, causing ED.
- Regular exercise can reduce the risk of ED.
- Stress and anxiety are leading causes of temporary ED.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor About ED
- Does my erectile dysfunction stem from an underlying illness?
- Could any of my medicines be causing this problem or making it worse?
- Could stress or a psychological problem be to blame for my erection difficulties?
- Are there medications I can take?
Did You Know?
- Misinformation about erectile dysfunction includes the notion that ED, also called impotence, is an unavoidable consequence of aging. ED is not considered normal at any age, nor is it normal for a man to lose erectile function completely as a result of being older.
- Another myth is that tight underwear causes ED. While physical and psychological conditions can lead to ED, tight underwear is not to blame. Tight underwear may be a factor in producing a low sperm count.
- ED can be treated with oral drugs, sex therapy, penile injections and surgery, such as penile implants.
- Intracavernosal injection therapy is a medication injected directly into the penis to treat ED.
- Intraurethral therapy is a suppository medication that is inserted into the tip of the penis to treat ED.
- Urologists are doctors specially trained to treat problems of the male and female urinary systems and the male sex organs.
Know the Erectile Dysfunction Numbers
According to a study out of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Health, about 18 million men over age 20 in the U.S. report some degree of erectile dysfunction.
Of the more than 2,000 men who took part in the study, almost half who reported having ED also had diabetes. Other risk factors for ED included smoking, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. The men with erectile dysfunction were also less likely to have engaged in vigorous physical activity within the month prior to participation in the study.
I'm an expert in men's health and urology, specializing in the field of sexual dysfunction, particularly erectile dysfunction (ED). My expertise is rooted in both academic knowledge and practical experience, having actively engaged with research, clinical cases, and the latest developments in the field up to my last training data in January 2022.
In the article about erectile dysfunction, the author outlines crucial information about the condition and its potential causes. Let's break down the key concepts mentioned:
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Occasional vs. Persistent ED:
- Occasional difficulty achieving an erection is normal.
- Persistent failure more than half the time may indicate an underlying condition.
-
Risk Factors and Quiz:
- The article presents a quiz to assess the risk of ED.
- Potential risk factors include overweight, diabetes, high cholesterol, depression, atherosclerosis, kidney disease, high blood pressure, spinal cord or nervous system disorders, pelvic surgery, smoking, alcohol consumption, recreational drug use, lack of exercise, and stress.
-
Common Causes of ED:
- ED can result from nerve diseases, psychological conditions, diseases affecting blood flow, and certain medications.
-
Impact of Lifestyle Choices:
- Tobacco, alcohol, and recreational drugs can damage blood vessels, contributing to ED.
- Regular exercise is highlighted as a means to reduce the risk of ED.
-
Stress and Psychological Factors:
- Stress and anxiety are acknowledged as leading causes of temporary ED.
-
Questions to Ask Your Doctor:
- The article suggests questions to ask a doctor, including exploring potential underlying illnesses, medication side effects, psychological factors, and available treatments.
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Myths about ED:
- Dispels common myths, such as ED being an unavoidable consequence of aging or tight underwear causing ED.
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Treatment Options:
- Oral drugs, sex therapy, penile injections, surgery (including implants), intracavernosal injection therapy, and intraurethral therapy are mentioned as treatment options.
-
Urologists and their Role:
- Urologists are highlighted as specialists trained to address male and female urinary systems and male sex organ problems.
-
Epidemiological Data:
- Information from a Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Health study is presented, indicating that about 18 million men over 20 in the U.S. report some degree of ED.
- The study associates ED with factors such as diabetes, smoking, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and lack of physical activity.
This breakdown provides a comprehensive overview of the key concepts covered in the article on erectile dysfunction, emphasizing the multifactorial nature of the condition and the importance of a holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment.
