Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection, firm enough for sexual intercourse. Men at any age can suffer from this problem. There are a number of factors which can cause ED, such as environmental factors and certain health conditions. Besides this, men might suffer from occasional ED which may be caused due to stress. 

Causes: 

- It can be caused by psychological or physical conditions; or a combination of both.

Some of the major causes of ED are:

- Tension

- Exhaustion

- Consumption of alcohol 

- Nervousness

- It has been established that age-related impotence is caused majorly by stress.

- Atherosclerosis is also one of the conditions causing age-related impotence, which occurs due to the build-up of plaque in the arteries. This plaque build-up stops the flow of blood to the rest of the body, including the penis, thereby causing problem in erection.

A man with a new diagnosis of erectile dysfunction is at very high risk for a stroke, a heart attack, or other kind of a cardiac event within three to five years of the time that diagnosis occurs.

Some of physical causes of ED are:

- Diabetes

- Kidney Dysfunction 

- High Blood Pressure

- High Level of Cholesterol

Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction are:

- Erectile dysfunction symptoms might include persistent:

Trouble getting an erection

Trouble seeking an erection

Reduced sexual desire

When to see a Doctor:

See your doctor if:

- You have concerns about your erections or you are re experiencing other sexual problem, including ejaculatory dysfunction, such as premature or delayed ejaculation

- You have diabetes 

- Heart disease 

- Another known health condition that might be linked to erectile dysfunction

Treatment:

1. Medications

2. Penile Implant

3. Diet and Exercise - studies have shown that when patients lose weight and exercise, not only do the rest of their vascular systems benefit, but their erections usually improve as well.

4. Smoking - smoking is the biggest enemy of erectile function that there is, a number of studies show that quitting smoking can bring back some erectile function.

5. Lifestyle Modifications - changing certain lifestyle habits.