Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
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Definition & Facts
Erectile dysfunction (ED) prevents males from getting or keeping an erection that is firm enough for sex. You may find it uncomfortable talking about ED. But a healthy sex life is part of healthy living. ED is not a routine part of aging.
Symptoms & Causes
Symptoms of ED include being able to get an erection sometimes but not every time, being able to get an erection but not having it last long enough for sex, and being unable to get an erection at any time.
Diagnosis
Health care professionals diagnose ED with a medical, sexual, and mental health history; a physical exam; and lab and other tests. Talking with a health care professional helps to properly diagnose your ED.
Treatment
Health care professionals treat the underlying causes of ED and then focus on improving sexual function. Choosing an ED treatment is a personal decision.
Eating, Diet, & Nutrition
Research shows that a healthy diet can lower the risk of developing ED or improve ED symptoms. Foods that lower the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and obesity can also help ED.
Clinical Trials
NIDDK conducts and supports clinical trials in many diseases and conditions, including urologic diseases. The trials look to find new ways to prevent, detect, or treat disease and improve quality of life.
The Urinary Tract & How It Works
The urinary tract is the body’s drainage system for removing urine, which is composed of wastes and extra fluid. In order for normal urination to occur, all body parts in the urinary tract need to work together in the correct order.
Related Conditions & Diseases
Related Diagnostic Tests
Related Research
See more about urologic diseases research at NIDDK.
This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
(NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health. NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Content produced by NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts.
NIDDK would like to thank:
Arthur L. Burnett, M.D., The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine