Erectile dysfunction affects 10-15% of all males and can be emotionally and psychologically disabling for men and their partners. It is more common in men over 65 years, but it can occur at any age.

In 80% of erectile dysfunction cases, physical factors such as drugs or abnormalities with blood flow, nerve impulses or hormones are the major causes. Psychological factors account for the remaining cases and may be attributed to stress, performance anxiety or inadequate knowledge about sexuality.

Erectile dysfunction can cause emotional stress between partners. Many times, men will avoid sex due to their emotional pain associated with erectile dysfunction, causing their partner to feel rejected or inadequate. Some couples consider seeking treatment together, while in other cases, men prefer to seek treatment without their partner’s knowledge. The loss of erectile capacity can have a profound effect on a man. The good news is that erectile dysfunction can usually be treated safely and effectively.

Depending on whether the cause of the erection problem is physical or psychological, the urologist may prescribe a change in medication, hormone replacement, antidepressant therapy, devices, or self injection to promote erections. In some cases, the patient may opt for a surgical alternative, such as insertion of a penile implant