Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a medical condition characterized by trouble getting or maintaining an erection firm enough for satisfying sexual activity.
ED affects as many as 30 million men in the United States, making it one of the most common sexual health issues. While it’s often a chronic issue, temporary ED is also a thing. However, it’s best to get medical help instead of waiting and hoping it’ll disappear on its own.
The symptoms of ED can be mild, moderate, or severe. Depending on its severity, you might have:
No erections at all (impotence)
Erections that aren’t firm enough for penetration
Erections that don’t last as long as you want
Firm erections sometimes, but not others
In addition to affecting your sex life and relationships, ED can also be an early warning sign of health conditions like diabetes and heart disease. In fact, you might think of the condition as your body’s way of telling you to talk with a doctor.