Also known as impotence, erectile dysfunction is the inability to get or keep an erection that is firm enough for sexual intercourse, according to AUA Foundation, the foundation of the American Urological Association. While almost all men have an occasional problem achieving and maintaining an erection, the term is most properly used in reference to a chronic pattern of erection difficulties.
While the incidence of ED increases with age, younger men are not immune from the problem, although ED among the young is often psychological in origin rather than physiological.
The risk of ED is greater among those who suffer from underlying medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. Because both the heart and penis depend on strong blood flow for optimal function, ED sometimes serves as an early warning sign of more serious health problems. Healthy eating and regular exercise can help prevent ED.