Understanding
erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) happens when a man has trouble getting or keeping an erection firm enough for sexual activity. And it’s more common than you think.
are affected by erectile dysfunction
in the United States1
of men by the age of 401
of men aged 40 to 70 experience
some form of ED1
What are the signs or symptoms of ED?
The occasional difficulty in getting or keeping an erection is normal.2 It starts to become a problem when you regularly have difficulty getting or maintaining an erection — to the extent that you purposefully avoid intimate moments with your partner. ED takes many forms:
1
Not getting an erection at all
2
Not getting an erection consistently
3
Not getting an erection that stays hard enough for sex
Erectile dysfunction could be caused by a number of reasons
For more than 80% to 85% of men with ED, the cause is a physical issue or disorder.3 Meaning your ED is not a reflection on you or your sexual partner, since lack of interest or arousal isn’t the problem.
ED affects your confidence
Men with ED can often experience deep feelings of shame, loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Not knowing if you’ll be ready for intimacy can impact your sense of manhood4 and make you feel an upsetting lack of control.5
of patients say that ED negatively impacts their everyday life5
ED affects partners, too
Spouses and partners experience their own challenges with ED. Emotions can range from frustration, anxiety and depression to guilt, rejection and even self-blame.6
of women feel their partner’s ED
is their fault6
The most important thing to keep in mind:
erectile dysfunction is no one’s fault. It’s a common medical condition,2 and in most cases, it can be overcome.
“Erectile dysfunction is a two-person condition. It affects you, and it affects your spouse. It’s very important to be forthcoming about the condition – there are options out there!”
Brian
Titan® Penile Implant Recipient
Are you a partner of someone with ED?
It’s important to open the lines of communication with your partner and emphasize why talking about ED is important to you.6 Find tips and strategies to open a discussion that can help you and your partner take the next step toward reclaiming intimacy together.
ED Explained
Erectile dysfunction & treatment options
The struggle with ED can affect self-confidence, put a strain on intimate relationships, and impact everyday life.5 Dr. Robert Valenzuela, an erectile dysfunction specialist, sheds light on ED and shares insights on the most common treatment options.
Have questions? Need support? We’re here to help!
Call or chat online with a member of our Coloplast Guided Support team. We can answer your questions and connect you with a local qualified urologist who specializes in ED.
References
1 Sooriyamoorthy T, Leslie SW. Erectile Dysfunction. [Updated 2022 May 27]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562253/.
2 Definition & Facts for Erectile Dysfunction. NIH. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/erectile-dysfunction/definition-facts. Accessed June 2024.
3 Bajic P, Mahon J, Faraday M, Sadeghi-Nejad H, Hakim L, McVary KT. Etiology of Erectile Dysfunction and Duration of Symptoms in Patients Undergoing Penile Prosthesis: A Systematic Review. Sex Med Rev. 2020 Apr;8(2):333-337.
4 McCabe MP, Althof SE. A systematic review of the psychosocial outcomes associated with erectile dysfunction: does the impact of erectile dysfunction extend beyond a man’s inability to have sex? J Sex Med. 2014 Feb;11(2):347-63.
5 Data on file at Coloplast.
6 Li H, Gao T, Wang R. The role of the sexual partner in managing erectile dysfunction. Nat Rev Urol. 2016 Mar;13(3):168-77.
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