ED is a surprisingly common condition, about 50 % of men over the age of 40 and 10 % of men below 40 are affected by ED*.

While there are real physical and psychological reasons for ED, there’s no single cause. The chart below outlines the most common causes of ED. ⁹

You may have to start the conversation with your doctor to get an answer to the question, “Do I have ED?” A personal history and physical exam set the groundwork for most conditions. Lab tests and other tests may identify a source such as diabetes, coronary artery disease or other conditions that affect the nerves and blood flow to the penis.

Hardening of the arteries caused by plaque buildup – atherosclerosis – limits blood flow to various parts of the body. The arteries supplying blood to the penis are much smaller than the ones supplying blood to the heart. As a result, heart disease may first show itself as difficulty achieving an erection. Do check with your Andrologist or General Physician for a diagnosis.³⁶ Learn More

Diabetes damages the blood vessels and nerves that supply the penis with blood to form an erection. The constant change in blood sugar levels can also cause nerve damage, which can lead to loss of sensation in the feet and hands, and can affect having sex.¹⁹ Learn More

The two most feared side effects of a radical prostatectomy are loss of erections and bladder leakage. These side effects can occur, but there are successful treatment options available. Also, after total removal of the prostate, there is no ejaculation, although there is the sensation of climax and orgasm. ³⁷ Learn More

If the cancer is detected early and patients are treated by an experienced surgeon using nerve-sparing techniques, then sexual activity may return to normal after surgery. This can take three to six months with continued improvement for two or three years.¹¹ If sexual activity does not return on its own, there are many different ways to support an active sex life (medications, pumps, injections and penile implants). Learn More

ED is treatable at any age. Treating the underlying cause of ED is a good place to start, such as adjusting your lifestyle, quitting smoking and reducing your stress. Oral medications are typically the first line of therapy. Medications are typically followed by one or more of these treatments: vacuum devices, penile implants or penile injections. We recommend you discuss with your GP / Andrologist and trust him to recommend the therapy most suited to your symptoms.