Fact File

Common facts of erectile dysfunction

By Star Health Desk

Erectile dysfunction (ED) occurs when a man has trouble getting or keeping an erection to have sexual intercourse. ED becomes more common as you get older but it is not a natural part of aging. Ed may occur due to physical problems like diseases, medication which affects gradually. Or it may start suddenly due to psychological problem. Diabetes is the most important cause and other common causes are heart disease, high blood pressure and cholesterol, obesity, tobacco, alcohol and some medications. Having erection problem from time to time is not necessarily a cause for concern. But if erectile dysfunction is an ongoing problem, it may cause stress, cause relationship problems or affect your self-confidence. Some people have trouble speaking with their doctors about sex. But if you have ED, you should tell the doctor first. ED can be a sign of health problems. It may mean your blood vessels are clogged. It may mean you have nerve damage from diabetes. If you do not see a doctor, these problems will remain untreated and develop worse. Many men with ED are able to improve sexual function by making a few lifestyle changes. Giving up smoking, losing weight and exercising more often can help by improving blood flow. If you suspect a medication could be contributing to ED, talk to your doctor about adjusting your dosage or switching to another option. Life can be awesome if you give a try to help mitigating problems.