The Problem

Inability of a man to achieve and maintain an erection sufficient enough for intercourse
or
It's when a man has difficulty getting or maintaining an erection long enough for sex.

In medical terms the above is known as Erectile Dysfunction or Impotency.

Commonly known as ED but it's not the same for everyone – it can vary person to person (symptoms).

Some men can't get an erection at all
Some men get erection - But it's not hard enough for sex.
Few men get a hard erection but lose it before or during sex.

For few any one of the above symptoms can happen once in a while – that’s the start and it's more common than you think.
The Massachusetts Male Aging Study of 1994 and other similar later studies revealed that more than 52% of all men over the age of 35 experience some degree of ED. The percentage men with this problem increases with age starting with approximately 40% at the age of 35 increasing to approximately 70% at the age of 70.

"This finding therefore implies that having some degree of
erectile dysfunction (ED) after the age of 35 is quite common."

However nowadays due to lifestyle changes the below listed medical conditions are commonly surfacing among men from the age of 28+ onwards.

Erectile Dysfunction

Premature Ejaculation

Untimely Discharge

Lack Of Interest In Sex

Small Libido

But what causes ED ?

Everyone says ‘I am physically fit so why do I have ED ?and need to shy away from my partner?’ Well the reasons could be numerous – but majorly based on todays lifestyle nearly all the reasons are listed below -

Vascular Diseases And Hypertension

Stress

Neurological Diseases (Askdl)

Excessive Smoking Or Drinking

Certain Prescription Drugs

High Cholesterol

Pelvic Surgery And Spinal Cord Injuries

Psychological Issues

Cardiovascular Disease

Damage From Cancer Or Surgery

Increasing Age

Anxiety Or Depression

Obesity Or Being Overweight

Relationship Problems

Excessive Drug Usec

Diabetes

Prostate Issues

High Blood Pressure

Heart Disease

Hyperlipidemia

Whats the key? How is it related?

Blood flow is key -ED occurs when not enough blood flows to the penis, preventing an erection.

Erections depend on proper blood flow to the penis

When a man is sexually aroused, the brain sends an impulse telling the arteries in the penis to widen
As a result, more blood flows to the penis
The penis expands, hardens, and becomes erect
But if this blood flow is restricted and is not in full capacity – it leads to erectile dysfunction.

There are several erectile dysfunction causes as listed above. Sometimes it's caused by health conditions or due to our lifestyle - “But blood flow is always important”. If blood is prevented from properly flowing to the penis, it can lead to erectile dysfunction.

Why do the above causes prevent blood flow?

Irrespective of its medical conditions like High blood pressure, Depression for which we take medications/medicines/drugs – it can lead to the hardening of the arteries and thus impacting blood flow.

Similarly, in the case of smoking, it can damage or block the blood vessels or lead to the hardening of the arteries. Any of these root causes can prevent the blood flow to the penis and can cause ED.

Chronic Disease	The link between chronic disease and ED is most striking for diabetes. Men with diabetes are two to three times more likely to have erectile dysfunction. And it could start 10 to 15 years earlier. But blood sugar control can lower this risk. Any condition that affects the way blood flows through your body could lead to ED. This includes cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), kidney disease, and multiple sclerosis.
Lifestyle	Lifestyle choices can contribute to ED. Smoking, heavy drinking, and drug use disorder can damage the blood vessels and reduce blood flow to your penis. Being overweight and getting too little exercise also raise your odds. Studies show that men who exercise regularly have a lower risk of ED
Surgery	Surgery, including treatments for prostate cancer, bladder cancer, or BPH, can sometimes damage nerves and blood vessels near your penis. If the nerve damage is permanent, you’ll need treatment to get an erection. But sometimes surgery causes temporary ED that gets better on its own after 6 to 18 months.
Medication	ED may be a side effect of medication, including certain blood pressure drugs and antidepressants. Talk to your doctor if you think a prescription or over-the-counter drug may be causing erectile problems. But never stop taking any medicine before you discuss it with your doctor
Psychological	If you’re older, there’s probably a physical reason for your ED. But the causes can be in your head, too. Experts say stress, depression, low self-esteem, and performance anxiety can short-circuit the process that leads to an erection. These factors can also make the problem worse if your ED stems from a physical problem

The Mechanics of ED

You get an erection when blood fills two chambers known as the corpora cavernosa. This causes your penis to expand and stiffen, much like a balloon as it is filled with water. Impulses from the brain and genital nerves start the process. Anything that blocks these impulses or restricts blood flow to the penis can cause ED.

Flaccid and Erect Penis

HERE'S THE BOTTOM LINE.

Erectile dysfunction is not all in your head or It's not just a part of aging that you have to accept. It's a real medical condition. So it should be treated like one. In most cases, your erections won't improve without treatment. By not seeking medical help for erectile dysfunction or impotence, millions of men are causing unnecessary damage to their most important relationships.

Fortunately, misperceptions about ED are changing rapidly, and never before has there been such a choice of treatments available.