Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be difficult to discuss, but it’s important to tell your doctor about it. Not only are effective treatments available, but ED can be a sign of another health problem.

At Penn Medicine, we have experts in male urology and ED who provide compassionate care. We provide the latest ED treatments while helping you feel comfortable and respected.

Erectile dysfunction is trouble getting or keeping an erection. It’s a type of male sexual dysfunction.

ED, or impotence, can prevent a male from having sex or an orgasm. It occurs more often in older men, but it’s not a typical part of aging.

People who have ED cannot get an erection, or they may get an erection but can’t maintain it. You may notice that your penis does not get or stay erect during sexual arousal or activity.

If you have signs of erectile dysfunction, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor about it. Your doctor will talk with you about your symptoms and take a health history. They may wish to run blood or urine tests to check for health conditions. Doctors may also run tests to check your heart function.

Be open with your doctor about emotional stress or mental health conditions. Tell them about any health conditions you have or any other symptoms you’ve noticed. This information helps your doctor provide the right diagnosis and treatment for you.

Sexual function is related to your overall health. Your erectile dysfunction treatment options may include:

• Management of chronic health conditions: If you have a health condition that needs treatment such as diabetes, your doctor may refer you to another care provider. At Penn, we have a full range of specialists, so you get complete care without having to make appointments elsewhere.
• ED medications: Medications you swallow (oral) are often the first treatment for ED. These medications relax your muscles and increase blood flow to the penis and work well for many people.
• Testosterone therapy: If you have low levels of testosterone (male sex hormone), your doctor may prescribe testosterone medications. You may use this treatment along with ED medications.
• Vacuum device: You use this device at home before sex. You slip a plastic tube over the penis and use an attached pump to make a vacuum seal around the penis. This holds blood in the penis for up to 30 minutes and works well for many people.
• Injectable medicines: If oral medications don’t work, your doctor may recommend medicines you inject directly into the penis. Your doctor can show you how to give yourself the injection.
• Penile implant: An experienced urology surgeon can perform penile implant surgery. This surgery places a penile prosthesis (implant) inside the penis that allows you to have an erection.