What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is the persistent or recurrent inability to attain or maintain an erection sufficient to complete sexual intercourse or another chosen sexual activity.

How common is erectile dysfunction?

It is a common problem which affects at least one in every ten men. Regrettably, only about 10% of sufferers actually receive treatment. The number of men suffering erectile dysfunction increases with age.

What causes erectile dysfunction?

Few men go throughout life without experiencing occasional failure to attain or maintain an erection. This usually results from stress, tiredness, anXiety, or excessive alcohol consumption. This is nothing to worry about. However, worrying about it may set the scene for a more persistent problem due to "fear of failure". The man becomes so preoccupied with previous erectile failure that he is unable to enjoy the arousal feelings associated with sexual stimulation. This in turn, decreases his sexual arousal and stops erection from occurring.

Until about 20 years ago, erectile dysfunction was considered to be caused almost entirely by psychological factors but we now know that physical conditions are present in about 75% of male sufferers. However, the majority of men with erectile dysfunction experience a combination of psychological and physical causes.

Physical causes

Men whose erectile dysfunction is of a physical origin often experience a gradual onset of erectile failure which tends to occur with all sexual activities.

Physical causes of erectile dysfunction include:

• Deficient blood flow to the penis such as resulting from blocked arteries
• Excessive drainage of blood from the penis ("venous leak")
• Damage or diseases affecting the nerves that go to or from the penis
• Hormone abnormalities
• Side effect of prescribed drugs
• Alcoholism and drug abuse
• Diabetes
• Heavy smoking
• High cholesterol
• Diseases affecting the erectile tissue of the penis
• Neurological diseases, stroke
• Severe chronic diseases such as kidney and liver failure

Psychological causes

An erectile dysfunction with a sudden onset in men who can achieve erections under some circumstances but not others suggest a psychological cause. Sometimes the triggering factor can be easily identified such as a serious disagreement with the partner; being interrupted while making love or excessive worry at work. Psychological causes of erectile dysfunction include:
• Stress and anxiety from work or home
• Marital conflicts and dissatisfaction (as can also occur with premature ejaculation)
• Depression
• Sexual boredom
• Unresolved sexual orientation


What should a man do if he develops erectile dysfunction?

It is important to remember that over the last few years there have been major advances in the treatment of erectile dysfunction and the majority of sufferers can now be treated effectively. Some lifestyle changes are worth considering before medical advice is sought. These include quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake and trying to reduce stress and anXiety. If such changes do not solve the problem, then the man should seek medical advice.

What treatments are available for erectile dysfunction?

Sex and/or couple's therapy
Orai Treatments
Transurethral therapy
Intracavernosal injection therapy
Vacuum constriction devices
Hormone treatment
Penile prosthesis
Surgical treatments

About ESHA
The European Sexual Health Alliance (ESHA) is an umbrella organisation for patient support groups across Europe. The main role of this patient focused organization is to assist patients suffering from sexual dysfunction. to inform them about the solutions available as well as to provide awareness and understanding of the condition to their partners, media and other interested parties.

ESHA's purpose is to help every couple affected by sexual dysfunction to communicate openly about their sexual concerns in order to find a solution that improves the patient's sexual function and the couple's quality of life.