Erectile Disorder
A sexual dysfunction involving marked difficulty obtaining or maintaining an erection, or a marked decrease in erectile rigidity, occurring in almost all sexual activity.
Overview
Erectile disorder involves marked difficulty obtaining or maintaining an erection, or a marked decrease in erectile rigidity, occurring on almost all occasions of sexual activity for at least six months, causing significant distress.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms can include difficulty achieving or sustaining an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity, along with distress or relationship strain related to the difficulty. Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has this condition. Diagnosis requires an appropriate clinical evaluation.
Causes and Risk Factors
Causes can include cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, certain medications, psychological factors such as anxiety, or a combination of physical and psychological contributors.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis should be made by a qualified healthcare professional following a comprehensive clinical assessment. Clinicians may use established diagnostic frameworks such as DSM-5-TR and/or ICD-11 as part of a comprehensive assessment.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the individual’s symptoms, clinical history, severity, age, co-occurring conditions, and other relevant factors.
Psychotherapy
Sex therapy or counseling addressing psychological contributors can be helpful, particularly when anxiety plays a role.
Medication
Several FDA-approved oral medications are commonly used and effective for many individuals; underlying medical causes should also be evaluated. Medication decisions should be made with a qualified prescribing healthcare professional. Do not start, stop, or change a prescribed medication based solely on information on this page.
Living With Erectile Disorder
Addressing cardiovascular health, since erectile function is closely linked to vascular health, is an important part of evaluation.
When to Seek Professional Help
Professional evaluation may be appropriate if symptoms persist, worsen, cause significant distress, or interfere with work, school, or relationships.
Emergency Situations
If a person may be in immediate danger, is experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, or may harm themselves or another person, seek immediate assistance through appropriate local emergency services.
Outlook
Many individuals see significant improvement with appropriate medical evaluation and treatment.
Related Conditions
Medical Information Disclaimer
Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
References
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).
- National Institute of Mental Health.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
- World Health Organization. International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision.