Erectile dysfunction, or ED for short, is the consistent or recurrent absence of an erection of the penis during sexual arousal and/or the absence of an erection of the penis sufficient for sexual intercourse. According to the medical definition, erection problems are classed as erectile dysfunction only when symptoms last at least 6 months and prevent satisfactory sexual intercourse in more than 70% of cases.

There are different levels of severity in erectile dysfunction that range from mild to complete erectile dysfunction. How severe your problems are is determined by a simple questionnaire. The score is used, among other things, as a comparative value to measure the improvement in your erection after having completed successful treatment. This value is called the IIEF score.

Some men have erection problems only in situations of sexual intercourse with a partner, others can not obtain a spontaneous erection in the morning. Some men will obtain an erection, but struggle to maintain it long enough. In other words, erectile dysfunction is a multifaceted condition. The diversity in erection problems is best explained with the equally diverse underlying root causes of erectile dysfunction.

In Germany alone, probably 6-8 million men are affected by erectile dysfunction (1). However, the actual number remains uncertain as erection problems are widely considered a taboo topic and men have difficulties talking about them. In consequence only slightly more than half of the affected men consult a health care professional (2). What we do know for sure: The frequency (prevalence) of men suffering from erectile dysfunction increases with age. Nearly one in two men over the age of 50 is affected (3), nonetheless as many as 8% of 20-29 year old men (2) are also dealing with erection problems.

During sexual stimulation the brain sends signals to the penis through the spinal cord and nerves. This causes arteries to dilate and blood to flow into the penis. The increased pressure makes the penis hard. Blood outflow is simultaneously slowed down by compressing the veins in the penis. As long as the inflow of blood is greater than the outflow, the erection is maintained. Every part of this system, that is, thoughts, nerves and blood vessels, must play its part to enable a healthy lasting erection. There are different reasons why the system can be disturbed and erection problems occur. Often it is not one reason alone that leads to erectile dysfunction but a combination of different causes.

Possible causes of erectile dysfunction are (4) :

1. psychological causes, such as stress, insecurity and fear of failure
2. Arterial or venous problems that cause blood flow to and from the penis to malfunction
3. hormonal disorders, such as the lack of testosterone
4. anatomical reasons that may be induced by a pre-existing condition
5. side effects that can result from taking drugs and other substances
6. nerve damage caused by surgery, accidents or other conditions