Erectile Dysfunction: What It Is and What You Can Do
Feeling anxious about sex or suddenly losing interest in intimacy? Erectile dysfunction (ED) is more common than people think. Up to 30 million men in the U.S. have some form of ED. The good news: many causes are treatable and simple steps can help most men get better sex function and more confidence.
Quick causes and tests
ED happens when you can’t get or keep an erection firm enough for sex. Causes fall into three buckets: physical, mental, and medication-related. Physical causes include high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and low testosterone. Mental causes include stress, anxiety, and depression. Some common meds — like certain blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, and prostate medicines — can also cause ED.
Basic tests your doctor might order are blood sugar, cholesterol, testosterone, and blood pressure. Sometimes a short sexual health history and a simple physical exam are enough to point to the cause. Don’t skip this step — treating the root issue makes treatments work better.
Treatment options and daily steps
Pill options such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra) work for many men. They increase blood flow to the penis so you can get an erection with sexual stimulation. Important safety note: never take these if you use nitrates for chest pain — that combo can dangerously drop your blood pressure. Talk to your provider about dosing and side effects.
Non-pill choices include vacuum pumps, penile injections, and implants. Counseling or sex therapy helps when performance anxiety or relationship issues are part of the problem. Often a combined approach — medication plus therapy — gives the best result.
Simple lifestyle moves make a big difference: lose excess weight, quit smoking, cut back on alcohol, and get regular exercise. Even moderate aerobics three times a week can improve blood flow and erections. Kegel exercises help too — tightening the pelvic floor muscles during daily sets can boost control and firmness.
Watch for drug interactions. Over-the-counter supplements promise quick fixes but can be risky and are often unregulated. If you’re buying meds online, use licensed pharmacies and keep receipts and prescriptions. If a price feels too good to be true, it often is.
When should you see a doctor? If ED happens more than occasionally, if it follows a new medication, or if you have other symptoms like chest pain, sudden vision loss, or heavy fatigue, get medical help. ED can be the first sign of heart disease or diabetes, so early care matters.
Talk openly with your partner and your provider. ED is common, treatable, and usually not permanent. With the right tests and a clear plan, most men see real improvement in weeks to months. If you want, start by jotting down your health history, meds, and a brief sex history before your visit — that makes the appointment more productive.
, Jun, 28 2025
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