HUMOR
I just can’t get it up!
Dealing with erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) means that you cannot get a proper erection. Most cases are due to narrowing of
the arteries that take blood to the penis. This is due to a build-up of fatty deposits (atheroma) in these arteries in the same way that heart arteries are affected in people with heart disease. ED is usually treatable, most
commonly by a tablet taken before sex. You may also receive lifestyle advice and treatments to minimise your
risk of heart disease.
What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) means that you cannot get and/or maintain an erection. In some cases the penis
becomes partly erect but not hard enough to have sex properly. In some cases, there is no swelling or fullness
of the penis at all. ED is sometimes called impotence.
How common is erectile dysfunction?
Most men have occasional times when they cannot get an erection. For example, you may not get an erection
so easily if you are tired, stressed, distracted, or have drunk too much alcohol. For most men it is only temporary, and an erection occurs most times when you are sexually aroused.
However, some men have persistent, or recurring, ED. It can occur at any age, but becomes more common
with increasing age. About half of men between the ages of 40 and 70 have ED. About 7 in 10 men aged 70
and above have ED.