Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
Read more health news
Impotence - Erectile Dysfunction
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
- View All
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Male erectile dysfunction is a condition in which a man cannot get or keep an erection long enough to have sexual intercourse.
What is going on in the body?
Erectile dysfunction can be caused by mental or physical problems, or a combination of both. Men who are depressed or have some other emotional problem may have no interest in having sex. There may also be physical problems with how blood flows into the penis and is kept there during an erection.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
Erectile dysfunction is a common problem. It is a problem whose frequency increases with age, but it is not necessarily a consequence of aging. Roughly 25% of men over the age of 65 have some degree of ED. Erectile dysfunction is considered a medical problem if it lasts more than 3 months.
Causes of erectile dysfunction can include:
Conditions that cause changes in the way blood flows to the penis, such as:
Conditions that affect the nervous system, such as:
Psychological conditions and social problems, such as:
Endocrine and hormone imbalances, such as:
Habits that make blood flow worse, such as:
Trauma or injury to the pelvis, such as:
Some prescription medications, such as: