Erectile dysfunction

Here you'll find useful information about your erection problem - known medically as erectile dysfunction (ED). This includes how ED could be a symptom of an underlying illness and how to talk to your doctor about a number of treatments that may be right for you.

Many men will experience an erection problem at some stage. Especially given there are a number of underlying illnesses which can potentially cause erection problems.

Some erection problems can be temporary and occasional. If you encounter erection problems on a more regular basis, however, you may be suffering from ED.

You have made the right decision to do something about your erectile dysfunction and we hope this site and the 4t ACTION PLAN help you deal with this common problem.

What is erectile dysfunction and how common is it?

Not enough blood in the penis
An erection problem is known medically as ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION (ED) or sometimes it's referred to as impotence. It occurs when the penis doesn't get hard (erect) enough to allow a man to have sexual activity. This happens because not enough blood can get into, or stay in the penis long enough to allow an erection.

Physiology of an erection
An erection is a complex process that occurs as a result of changes within the muscles, nerves and blood vessels of the penis

Blood is pumped into the penis making it firm.

This usually begins when we think about sex, when we are stimulated - or both.

Sexual stimulation causes signals to travel down the nerves that lead from the spinal cord to the genitals. Then the blood vessels that supply the penis open further, so blood flows in and the penis enlarges.

1 in 10 men have erection problems
Talk to your doctor about your erectile problem as it could be a symptom of an underlying illness like diabetes If it is, your doctor will be able to identify and treat it, as well as treating your erectile dysfunction.