Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a condition that occurs when a man experiences the inability to achieve and sustain an erection during sexual intercourse. This condition affects 10-20 million men in the U.S.
Because arousal in a man is influenced by many systems working together in the body, such as the brain, nervous system, cardiovascular system, hormones, and emotions, they all play an important role in stimulating and exciting a man in sexual situations. Medical conditions that can cause ED include vascular disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, excessive alcohol use, low testosterone, tobacco use, sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, multiple sclerosis, surgical treatment or medical procedures that affect the pelvis, certain medications, and a lack of sexual desire.
Treating the underlying condition is essential in treating ED. So, having ED does not necessarily mean a man has low testosterone because there are many other causes as you can see from the list mentioned above. If a man does have low testosterone , it can certainly cause ED, but not every man with low testosterone will experience ED.
How would a man determine the cause of his ED? By getting an exam with a full work-up by a qualified health care provider to determine the cause. The cause can then be treated. If desired or necessary, there are FDA-approved medications available, such as Viagra or Cialis, to help a man regain sexual function as long as it is medically appropriate.
