Understanding ED
Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be equally devastating for a man and his partner. There is hope for every man with ED to regain the confidence, control and wholeness to enjoy an active, satisfying sex life.
Did You Know?
The prevalence of ED in men over age 40 increases with age.2
Erectile Dysfunction: A Men's Health Issue
Life can get in the way of a rock-hard erection: stress, anxiety and outside factors play a role. Occasional erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition that affects many men and impacts their partners. Many men experience it during times of stress. Once these problems are managed, you should return to smooth sailing in the bedroom; but continued problems getting or keeping an erection may indicate a more serious health condition.
ED is defined as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection that is firm enough to have sexual intercourse.6 In other words, the penis doesn’t get hard enough to allow you to have sex. It may begin in the bedroom, but it can have a profound effect on a man, his self-esteem and his relationships.7
How an Erection Works72
When aroused, the nerves surrounding the penis become active. The muscles around the arteries relax and more blood flows into the penis. This additional blood makes the penis stiff and hard, or erect. The erection tightens the veins so the blood can’t leave the penis, enabling the penis to remain erect.
Erection Hardness Scale73
How hard is hard enough?
This Erection Hardness Scale may help you and your partner identify if ED is suspected. The measure is done when the erection is active. Note food analogies are for illustrative purposes only.73 If you can’t achieve a Grade 4 erection more than 50% of the time, talk with your GP or urologist about the problem.
| GRADE 1: Marshmallow Penis is larger but not hard.  |
GRADE 2: Unpeeled banana Penis is hard but not hard enough for penetration.  |
GRADE 3:
Peeled banana Penis is hard enough for penetration but not completely hard.  |
GRADE 4: Zucchini Penis is completely hard and fully rigid.  |
ED Symptoms and Causes
Signs and Symptoms
You may be surprised when you experience ED for the first time. ED can manifest in multiple ways, signs of ED include:48
- A significant increase in the amount of time it takes to achieve an erection
- Difficulty maintaining an erection long enough to have intercourse
- Decreased frequency of spontaneous erections
In fact, more than half of men over 40 suffer from some degree of ED.1 If you can’t get an erection more than 50% of the time, you should see your GP or a urologist. To better understand the link between your symptoms and ED, take our quiz to get your ED Score.The results should be shared with your GP or a urologist to help initiate a conversation about the right treatment options for you.
One Condition, Many Causes
ED happens when blood flow to the penis is limited or nerves are damaged. There are several possible causes physical and/or psychological reasons for ED, some common causes include: 1, 7-9, 46-47
- Prostate cancer treatment, trauma to the pelvic area can cause nerve and vascular damage
- Diabetes, which can compromise the blood flow to the penis
- Cardiovascular problems including high blood pressure and heart disease, can compromise the blood flow to the penis
- Other surgery (prostate, bladder, colon, rectal), trauma to the pelvic area can cause nerve and vascular damage
- The side effects of some medications,1, 9 including some for high blood pressure and antidepressants can interfere with blood flow to the penis
- Lifestyle choices (smoking, excessive alcohol, obesity, lack of exercise, stress, lack of sleep), can also affect your performance
- Spinal cord injuries
- Hormone problems
- Depression and anxiety
In other words, ED affects men of every ethnicity, age and lifestyle.
Treatment Options for ED
ED is treatable at any age. Treating the underlying cause of ED is a good place to start, such as adjusting your lifestyle, quitting smoking and reducing your stress. Oral medications are typically the first line of therapy, but some men may need more. Medications are typically followed by one or more of these treatments: vacuum devices, penile implants or penile injections.
Stop wondering about ED
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Ways to Help Your Partner
Helping Your Partner Who Has ED
Get Informed
ED is a common medical problem. It is both physical and emotional, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept it. Most importantly, ED is treatable. The more you know about ED, the more helpful and positive you can be. Go to your GP or urologist and ask the right questions.
You can help him seek treatment, something many men are hesitant to do. If you both have adjusted to a life without sex, you may also want to explore treatment options for yourself.
Choose the Moment
Try to find a non-sexual place to talk at a time when both of you are relaxed. Communication is key. Turn off the TV and mobile phones. Take a deep breath and take the plunge. Focus on ways to solve ED, rather than on how it affects your relationship. If he isn’t ready to talk about it, see if he will talk to your GP or a urologist.
Be Sensitive and Honest
A man with ED may withdraw from sex and his partner. Be patient. You may blame yourself, thinking you are no longer desirable. You may blame him and suspect infidelity. Be honest. Talk about what you each expect. If you noticed changes during sex, bring it up to him. While difficult, talking about ED may bring you closer and strengthen your relationship.
Come Back Stronger
Talking about ED can change your life.
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