Erectile Dysfunction

Pronunciation

Definition

An inability to have an erection of the penis adequate for sexual intercourse. Also called impotence. (NCI Dictionary)

More information

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common type of male sexual dysfunction. It is when a man has trouble getting or keeping an erection. ED becomes more common as you get older. But it's not a natural part of aging.

Some people have trouble speaking with their doctors about sex. But if you have ED, you should tell your doctor. ED can be a sign of health problems. It may mean your blood vessels are clogged. It may mean you have nerve damage from diabetes. If you don't see your doctor, these problems will go untreated.

Your doctor can offer several new treatments for ED. For many men, the answer is as simple as taking a pill. Getting more exercise, losing weight, or stopping smoking may also help. (NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)

Also called: ED, Impotence

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Erdosteine

A homocysteine-derived thiol derivative with mucolytic and free radical scavenging properties. Erdosteine and its metabolites modulate mucus production and viscosity, by which…

Erdheim-Chester Disease

A very rare, multisystem non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis that predominantly affects adults. It is characterized by the proliferation in the tissues of…

ERCP

A procedure that uses an endoscope to examine and x-ray the pancreatic duct, hepatic duct, common bile duct, duodenal papilla, and…

ERCC6 wt Allele

Human ERCC6 wild-type allele is located in the vicinity of 10q11.23 and is approximately 80 kb in length. This allele, which encodes…

ERCC6 Gene

This gene plays a role in transcription-coupled and global genome-DNA repair.

ERCC5 wt Allele

Human ERCC5 wild-type allele is located in the vicinity of 13q33.1 and is approximately 30 kb in length. This allele, which encodes…