Erectile Dysfunction

Erections may occur at any point in the life span, from infancy to old age. For instance, infant erections are common during baths or diaper changes. As boys develop, erections may occur for no apparent reason or may be a response to arousal. However, when arousal in adulthood does not produce an expected erection, this may be a signal of erectile dysfunction (ED). This entry provides a brief background of ED as well as a summary of medications and therapies used to treat ED. ED occurs when there is a lack of ability to attain or sustain an erection that allows for an acceptable sexual experience. ED is a likely diagnosis only when getting or maintaining an erection is a consistent problem. In contrast, occasional ...