Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a medical condition in which a man has difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection firm enough for satisfactory sexual activity. It is sometimes called impotence.

Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

1. Physical Causes

   • Diabetes

   • High blood pressure

   • High cholesterol

   • Obesity

   • Heart disease

   • Hormonal imbalances (low testosterone)

   • Neurological conditions (Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis)

   • Side effects of certain medicines

2. Psychological Causes

   • Stress

   • Anxiety

   • Depression

   • Relationship problems

3. Lifestyle Factors

   • Smoking

   • Excessive alcohol use

   • Lack of exercise

   • Poor diet

Drugs for Erectile Dysfunction

These medicines improve blood flow to the penis, helping maintain an erection:

• PDE5 Inhibitors: Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil, Avanafil.

• Hormonal Treatments: Testosterone replacement (in men with low hormone levels).

• Other Options: Alprostadil (injection or urethral suppository).

Other Treatments

• Lifestyle changes: weight control, exercise, quitting smoking.

• Psychological counseling for stress, anxiety, or depression.

• Vacuum erection devices or surgical implants in severe cases.

Key Notes

• ED is common, especially with aging, but can affect men at any age.

• It may be an early warning sign of cardiovascular or metabolic diseases.

• Proper diagnosis is important to rule out underlying health issues.