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 problems getting or maintaining an erection do not necessarily indicate ED.

Sexual arousal is a complex process that involves both physical (e.g., blood flow, muscular system) and emotional components. However, impairment in any of these arousal components may result in slower sexual response. Sometimes the experience of a slower sexual response can cause anxiety, which also interferes with sexual [Page 766]arousal. Desire, arousal, and orgasm are three phases of the sexual process. ED affects the first two phases. Intervening with ED allows patients to regain sexual desire and arousal.