General practice·General practice
Erectile difficulty
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
Erectile difficulty (also called erectile dysfunction or ED) means having trouble getting or keeping an erection firm enough for sex. It is a common health issue and can often be treated.
Key facts
- ED affects most men at some point in their lives, especially after age 40.
- It can have physical causes (like heart disease or diabetes) or psychological causes (like stress or anxiety).
- Many treatments are available, including lifestyle changes, counselling, and prescription medications.
Yes, erectile difficulty is very common. It affects about 40% of men by age 40 and up to 70% of men by age 70.
Erectile difficulty can happen to men of any age, but it is more common in men over 40 and in those with chronic health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.