How Common Is ED?
More common than most men realize. Over 30 million American men experience ED. It affects roughly 40% of men at age 40 and increases with each decade. It's not a character flaw or an inevitable part of aging — it's a medical condition with identifiable causes and effective treatments.
Physical Causes (Most Common)
- Cardiovascular disease: ED is often the first sign of heart disease — blood vessels in the penis are smaller than coronary arteries and show damage first
- Diabetes: Damages blood vessels and nerves. Up to 75% of diabetic men experience ED
- Low testosterone: Affects libido and erectile function. Often overlooked as a contributing factor
- Obesity: Increases estrogen, decreases testosterone, impairs blood flow
- High blood pressure: Damages blood vessels throughout the body
- Medications: Antidepressants (SSRIs), blood pressure meds, and others
Psychological Causes
- Performance anxiety (the most common psychological cause)
- Stress and depression
- Relationship issues
- Often a cycle: one episode creates anxiety about the next
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cause:
- Hormone optimization when Low T or hormonal imbalances contribute
- Oral medications (PDE5 inhibitors) — effective for the majority of men
- Lifestyle changes — exercise, weight loss, better sleep, reduced alcohol
- Addressing underlying conditions — diabetes management, cardiovascular health
- Combination approaches for complex cases
The first step is an honest conversation. Schedule a confidential consultation.