Which Erectile Dysfunction Drug Is Best for You?

Medically reviewed

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Erectile dysfunction, or the inability to get and maintain an erection, affects around 30 million American men. While prevalence increases with a person’s age, ED can occur in anyone, especially those with certain underlying physical or mental health conditions.

As common as it is, erectile dysfunction can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, and it can also interfere with intimacy in relationships. If you think you may have ED, it’s important to speak with a doctor. In some cases, erectile dysfunction may be linked with other diseases. Your doctor can help determine the underlying cause of your ED, as well as identify the best option for treating it.

In some cases, remedying erectile dysfunction is as simple as treating the underlying medical problem. Other times, doctors recommend medications to treat ED. Several options exist, each with various side effects. Your provider can help you decide which is best and alter your course of treatment if needed.

What Is ED & What Causes It?

An erection is caused by increased blood flow in the penis, usually during sexual arousal or direct contact with the penis. During arousal, penis muscles relax, allowing for more blood flow in the penile arteries. The penis then becomes rigid.

Erectile dysfunction, also called impotence, occurs when someone cannot get or maintain an erection that’s firm enough to have sexual intercourse. Common ED symptoms include:

• Difficulty getting an erection
• Difficulty maintaining an erection
• Loss of sexual desire

What causes erectile dysfunction varies person to person. The brain, hormones, nerves, muscles, and blood vessels all play a role in erection, so problems with any of these may lead to challenges with sexual arousal.

Additionally, since sexual arousal has an emotional component, underlying psychological factors may contribute to ED.

Some of the most common causes of erectile dysfunction include:

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Atherosclerosis, or clogged blood vessels
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Metabolic syndrome, a condition that involves high blood pressure, high insulin, and high cholesterol
• Alcoholism and other forms of substance abuse
• Tobacco use
• Low testosterone levels
• Scar tissue in the penis
• Depression or anxiety
• Chronic stress
• Relationship difficulties

Erectile dysfunction can be upsetting and interfere with relationships, which is reason enough to seek medical treatment.

But because ED is connected with many underlying medical conditions, it’s important to talk to a medical provider if you think you might have it. They can help determine the cause of the dysfunction and pinpoint the best course of treatment.